Following an exhaustive examination of the evidence, Guinness World Records can officially affirm that Hilda Effiong Bassey, renowned as Hilda Baci, has successfully shattered the record for the longest individual cooking marathon, boasting an impressive duration of 93 hours and 11 minutes.
This remarkable feat was accomplished by the 26-year-old Nigerian culinary virtuoso, commencing on Thursday, May 11, and concluding on Monday, May 15, wherein she artfully prepared over 100 delectable dishes over the course of her four-day culinary extravaganza.
While Hilda aspired to achieve a record-breaking duration of 100 hours, a slight deduction of approximately seven hours was made due to an inadvertent miscalculation of additional minutes during one of her designated rest breaks in the initial stages of the endeavor.
In accordance with the regulations governing all “longest marathon” records, the participant is allowed a brief respite of five minutes for every continuous hour of culinary activity, affording precious moments for essential bodily functions or repose. These intermittent respites could be accumulated if not utilized, representing the sole opportunities for Hilda to address her physiological needs or obtain brief repose during the demanding pursuit.
The previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes was established by Lata Tondon of India in 2019, a milestone that Hilda valiantly surpassed, motivated by her determination to elevate Nigerian cuisine to global prominence and serve as an inspiration for aspiring African women to ardently pursue their dreams.
“I embarked on this audacious quest to not only showcase the vibrancy of Nigerian culinary traditions but also to push the boundaries of my own capabilities,” Hilda fervently expressed.
In meticulous preparation for this extraordinary undertaking, Hilda meticulously devised a comprehensive 35-item menu, providing a comprehensive guide for each culinary masterpiece she would meticulously craft. She diligently ensured the availability of all requisite ingredients for each recipe, with her dedicated team promptly procuring additional supplies throughout the duration of the culinary marathon, in accordance with the necessitated replenishments.
Hilda’s audacious record attempt sent shockwaves across the realm of social media, captivating millions of admirers within Nigeria and beyond, who fervently followed her gastronomic odyssey through the captivating medium of an Instagram livestream.
Such was the unparalleled popularity of Hilda’s culinary feat that our website experienced an unprecedented surge in traffic, resulting in an untimely two-day crash as an overwhelming deluge of enthusiastic supporters clamored to witness her remarkable achievement.
Throughout her record-breaking endeavor, Hilda received visits from a multitude of distinguished Nigerian luminaries, including the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the acclaimed songstress Tiwa Savage, who came forward to lend their support and admiration.
Hilda scrupulously adhered to a set of stringent regulations throughout her awe-inspiring culinary marathon, necessitating the concurrent preparation or cooking of a minimum of two items at any given time. While a sous-chef was permitted to offer assistance with preparatory tasks, dishwashing, and kitchen tidying, the entirety of the cooking process was executed solely by Hilda herself, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to personal accomplishment.
One of the cardinal tenets governing food-related record attempts mandates the consumption of all prepared items. In line with this imperative, Hilda extended an open invitation to the Nigerian public, warmly welcoming all to partake in her freshly prepared gastronomic delights. Any surplus victuals were generously donated to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation, ensuring that no delectable morsel went to waste.
“Our aspiration for this momentous event was to extend its accessibility to all and to provide sustenance for the less privileged,”
