Hilda Baci: The Cook-a-thon Legend
- MJKG
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
In May 2023, the name Hilda Baci became synonymous with determination as she cooked her way into the Guinness World Records. For 93 hours and 11 minutes, this Nigerian chef captivated not just her country but the world, becoming the holder of the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
Born in the mid-1990s in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, Hilda Effiong Baci graduated with a sociology degree from Madonna University in Anambra State. She was the host of 'Dine on a Budget', a TV show she began shortly after embarking on her culinary education. Her passion for cooking was inspired by her mother, who instilled in her a love for creating delicious meals.
In March 2023, Hilda announced her intention to attempt the world record for the longest cooking marathon, previously held by Lata Tondon who cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes in 2019.[2] She began her 'cook-a-thon' on May 11, 2023, and broke the record on May 15. Her achievement established her as the Guinness World Record holder for marathon cooking with 93 hours 11 minutes, a title she held until December 2023 when Irish Chef Alan Fisher surpassed her with 119 hours and 57 minutes.[3]
Her attempt came during a challenging time in Nigeria, coinciding with the "End Bad Governance" protests against the Nigerian President's regime. Despite this national turmoil, people united to support her. The support she received was extraordinary. High-profile individuals rallied behind her, including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Lead Pastor of Harvester International, Bolaji Idowu; and Nigerian award-winning singers Tiwa Savage, Tim Godfrey, and Ice Prince. Even the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, called to encourage her during the cook-a-thon.
No GWR officials were at the event in the upmarket area of Lekki in Lagos, but they later reviewed the footage recorded from CCTV cameras. "Hilda's cook-a-thon was in fact so popular that our website crashed for two days due to the immense volume of traffic we received from her legion of loyal fans," GWR said.[5]
Worth noting are some controversies that followed Hilda's success. Another Nigerian chef, Chef Dammy, attempted to break the world record but did not adhere to the registration details and requirements set by Guinness World Records, resulting in a failed attempt. Some say she attempted it out of jealousy, lacking the adequate training, equipment, food items and financial support to undertake such a task. The GWR noted Chef Dammy's attempt but never awarded her the title.
Throughout her record-breaking effort, Baci prepared mostly Nigerian cuisine, including jollof rice, a variety of rice and pasta dishes, swallow meals and akara—a popular street food made from deep-fried mashed beans. All the food was distributed to invited guests.
After her marathon cooking session, she revealed what had motivated her: "I just knew that I need to do something that is... out of the ordinary to put myself on the map, to put Nigeria on the map, to put young African women on the map." Her achievement was later recognized when she won 'The Future Awards Africa' in the 'Young Person of the Year' category for 2023.[7]
Hilda's journey teaches aspiring women leaders that with determination, even during difficult times, success is possible. Today, Hilda Baci thrives as a social media influencer with successful Bi-annual cooking classes, and her restaurant 'My Food by Hilda', inspiring a new generation of female chefs across Africa.
References
[1] First Image: https://images.app.goo.gl/RqewUdyxzVp6MmZc6
[2] Guinness World Records: Hilda Baci's non-stop cooking record confirmed. Accessed 10th March 2025. - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65888110
[3] Ibid.
[4] Second Image - https://images.app.goo.gl/teMobdPXhGeXjjqo6
[5] Guinness World Records: Hilda Baci's non-stop cooking record confirmed. Accessed 10th March 2025. - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65888110
[6] Third Image - https://dailytrust.com/marathon-cooking-chef-dammy-overtakes-hilda-reaches-120-hours/
[7] Hilda Baci recieves the young Person of the Year award. Accessed 10th Marc 2025. https://www.afrocritik.com/hilda-baci-wins-young-person-of-the-year-prize-as-future-awards-announces-17th-edition-winners/
~Maryam J-K Gadzama, Chief Editor 24/25 Committee
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