LunagisthubWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HILDN BACI
Hilda Baci, a talented 27-year-old chef hailing from Nigeria, has achieved an extraordinary feat by securing a place in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. She shattered the four-year-old record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual.” This incredible cooking marathon took place at Amore Garden in Lagos, Nigeria, spanning an impressive four days. Commencing on Thursday, May 11, Hilda’s remarkable journey concluded on Monday, May 15.
The previous record for the renowned Guinness World ‘Cookathon’ Record belonged to Lata Tandon from Rewa, India. Tandon had cooked tirelessly for 87 hours and 45 minutes, setting the record on September 7, 2019. However, on a Thursday afternoon at 4 pm, four years later, Hilda courageously embraced the challenge to surpass the existing record. She triumphantly achieved her goal at approximately 7:46 am on Monday.
But Hilda’s determination did not waver even after surpassing Tandon’s record. She set her sights on surpassing the remarkable milestone of cooking for over 96 hours in total. According to the requirements of the cook-a-thon, Hilda had to prepare 80 recipes. While repetition was allowed, she had to continuously cook for four days and nights without pause. So far, she has crafted 35 delectable sides, cold dishes, soups, and sauces, predominantly from the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria.
Hilda Baci had been preparing for this remarkable moment for five years. Alongside her full-time position at a fashion retail company, she also graced television screens as a presenter on cooking shows. Notably, she hosted the talent show called MTN Yello Star in 2020. Hilda is an alumna of Okija’s Madonna University, where she pursued sociology.
Before etching her name in the Guinness World Records, Hilda Baci had already earned her home country national recognition in 2021 by winning the Jollof competition. Representing Nigeria against Ghana’s Chef Seyram Leslie Kumordzie, Hilda emerged victorious, claiming an impressive prize of $5,000.
Hilda Baci has received an overwhelming outpouring of support from celebrities, religious figures, political leaders, and fellow Nigerians. On April 2, 2023, she took to Instagram to share the exciting news of her journey towards realizing her five-year-long dream. Hilda announced her intention to cook continuously for four days and nights, aiming to break Lata Tandon’s cook-a-thon record.
In an interview with reporters, Hilda detailed her five-year journey towards this cook-a-thon. She expressed gratitude for taking this audacious step and pursuing her grand aspiration. Hilda emphasized the psychological preparation she underwent for this challenge and expressed immense pride in finally embarking on it.
Financial constraints had previously hindered the 27-year-old chef from participating in the Guinness cook-a-thon. However, she diligently devised a plan to save enough money over the course of five years, which ultimately led her to this remarkable achievement.
For Hilda Baci, the cook-a-thon represented an opportunity to share positive stories from Africa through the medium of food. She stated, “This endeavor also serves as proof of the strength that young people can exhibit when provided with the right platform and support. I eagerly anticipate support from people worldwide in achieving this remarkable feat.”
Although Hilda had not received formal culinary training, she credited her work to inspiration from the Holy Spirit and the vibrant energy surrounding her. She expressed her desire to pursue proper training someday, as she currently attends cooking classes herself, yearning to expand her knowledge and offer more to her future students.
Numerous celebrities and renowned chefs conveyed their well wishes to Hilda.
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