CEM REPORT, AGROFOODS | Hilda Effiong Bassey popularly known as Chef Hilda Baci can now be called the official Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) after cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes.
She was awarded the record today 13, June 2023, after a thorough review of all the evidence by Guinness World Records.
Guinness World Record disclosed the information via its official Twitter handle.
“I now can announce that with a time 93 hours 11 minutes, Hilda Bassey is the new holder of the Guinness World Record title for longest cooking marathon.”
The 26-year-old Nigerian chef began on Thursday 11 May and continued through to Monday 15 May, cooking over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen stint.
Hilda attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, was awarded 93 hours 11 minutes, a deduction of almost seven hours.
She kicked off the record hunt on Thursday 11 May and continued through to Monday 15 May, cooking over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen stint.
The world record body stated that Hilda miscalculated her break which led to the deduction.
“Anyone attempting a marathon record receives five minutes break for every hour that they complete.
In this case, there was a miscalculation when it came to Hilda’s rest break meaning we are unable to award the 100 hours claimed”
The body disclosed that Hilda was awarded the record having fulfilled all the rules.
“This is a challenging record with strict rules that must be followed throughout, including; there must be at least two items being prepared or cooked at any time and the number, name and weight of each item must be submitted with the evidence.
“Hilda fulfilled all these rules.”
Other rules Hilda had to follow include; “one of the most important rules of our food-related record attempts is that all items must be consumed after cooking. ”
To this end, Hilda invited all members of the Nigerian public to come and eat her freshly made meals. All leftover food was donated to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation.
The previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes was set by Lata Tondon (India) in 2019.
Hilda’s record attempt captivated the social media globe, with millions of people in Nigeria and beyond tracking her progress via an Instagram live feed.
Hilda’s cook-a-thon was so popular that the Guinness World Record website crashed for two days owing to the massive amount of traffic from her legion of devoted admirers.
Several high-profile Nigerian leaders, including Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; and award-winning singer Tiwa Savage, visited Hilda to encourage her record attempt
Hilda opted to pursue a culinary career after graduating from Madonna University in Nigeria with a degree in sociology. Her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef, influenced her.
Hilda rose through the ranks, hosting the television show Dine on a Budget in 2020 and winning the Jollof Face-off competition in 2021. Hilda won as a representative of Nigeria, defeating Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie.
She is now officially a Guinness World Records holder in 2023. Hilda.
