One year has passed since Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef and restaurant owner, accepted the audacious challenge to shatter the record for the longest cooking time—and she succeeded!
When Hilda Baci set out on her quest to break the world records, it captured the attention of people worldwide. She broke the previous 87 hours 45 minutes record set by Indian chef, Lata Tondon by cooking for a record 93 hours and 11 minutes.
The attempt by the 27-year-old chef, which took place in Lagos, Nigeria, attracted the attention of national and international media outlets, including CNN.
Hilda received support from Nigerians all around the country, who made sure to constantly trend her name on social media between May 11 and May 15.
A number of public figures showed up at the venue to support the chef, including the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tiwa Savage, Spyro, Tim Godfrey, Ice Prince, Dremo, Teni, Kaffy, Bolaji Idowu, and Ik Osakioduwa.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, former vice president of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi sent their good wishes to Hilda through social media.
Within minutes of the Guinness World Record formally confirming her success on their social media channels, the post received over 50k comments, the most level of engagement ever on the page.
Although Hilda’s record was broken that same year by Irish chef, Alan Fisher, she has gone ahead to achieve great things in her field.
Her accomplishments include leading numerous culinary classes with hundreds of students, serving as a brand ambassador for numerous national and international companies, and giving celebrity speeches at various occasions.
Citing her mother as her inspiration and her reason for becoming a chef, she teaches young girls to dream big and be whoever they want to be.
Many Africans were motivated to attempt different records when Hilda Baci broke the world record; some of them were successful, while others were not.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Hilda Baci demonstrated that one can accomplish anything they set their minds to.