Celebrity chef Hilda Baci recently took on a daring challenge to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking hours ever. The previous record holder for this record is an Indian chef known as Lata Tondon, who set the record in 2019 by cooking for 87 hours, 45 minutes. 

Since taking on the challenge, the young Nigerian chef has created the wildest buzz in recent times not related to politics on social media. Hilda attracted the overwhelming support of Nigerians nationwide, even on site, as thousands of people–dignitaries and celebrities included–visited the scene in Amore Gardens, Lekki in Lagos, where history was being made.

Hilda’s achievement was not only remarkable in that she joined the list of Nigerians who have put the country on the global map. It was also tremendous in the way she brought Nigerians together, in a time when political affiliations and tensions had made fragile the unity Nigerian citizens.

With this support behind her, and her own individual determination, grit, endurance, and experience, Hilda Baci not only broke the previous record, but went on to set her own record of cooking for 100 hours. The cooking marathon commenced on May 11 and concluded on May 14. The event  included a live-streamed show on various social media platforms, where Hilda showcased her culinary skills by preparing over 250 recipes.

Still in the wake of being celebrated for this awesome milestone, we zoom in on the human behind the achievement

Miss Hilda Effiong is a remarkable entrepreneur and chef who has established herself as a prominent figure in the Nigerian food industry. Despite entering the culinary profession as a chef in 2020, she has successfully built her own recognized brand called @Myfoodbyhilda. 

Hilda Effiong Bassey, widely known as Hilda Baci, was born on September 20, 1996, in Akwa Ibom State to the family of Mr and Mrs Effiong Bassey. She is a versatile Nigerian TV producer, actress, head cook at FoodbyHilda, and an enterprising individual who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve success.

Prior to entering the food industry, Hilda pursued a degree in Sociology at Madonna University in Okija, Nigeria. Driven by her fondness for cooking and her desire to share her culinary expertise, she embarked on the journey of establishing her own business, which initially operated from a single location.

Hilda’s love for cooking was ignited by her mother’s culinary techniques, serving as a profound inspiration. Her exceptional skills in the kitchen opened doors to the television industry, where she began her journey hosting the cooking segment titled “In my Kitchen” on the breakfast show, Morning Rave, aired on Rave TV. Additionally, she took on the role of host for “Dine on A Budget” on Pop Central TV, where she not only engaged celebrities in thought-provoking discussions but also provided them with an exquisite dining experience.

In 2021 Hilda Baci representing Nigeria beat Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie to win the Jollof Face-off Competition. She received a $5,000 cash prize for her victory.

She’s also appeared in multiple Nigerian TV shows and movies. She played a supporting lead character in the movie “Dream Chaser,” and appeared in some episodes of “Sideways, Flatmates, A Walk on the Water, and Mr & Mrs Robert.

As the Chief Executive Officer and head chef of @Myfoodbyhilda, Hilda has cultivated a reputation for offering delectable and nourishing meals crafted from locally procured ingredients. Her inventive cooking methods and artistic food presentation have garnered her a devoted customer base and a dedicated following of admirers. 

She recently hit a million followers on instagram following her recent record-breaking endeavour. A number that is only expected to be on the rise as her popularity continues.

On setting out for the cook-a-thon event, the 27 year old revealed she had taken up to 5 years planning for it.

“The journey to the cook-a-thon started five years ago. It is one of my biggest aspirations and I am glad that I took the bold step to embark on this adventure. I have taken time to prepare for this psychologically and I am proud to finally take on this challenge.

The cook-a-thon is also an opportunity to tell some of the positive stories that come from Africa through the meals that we make.

This attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support. I look forward to receiving support from people across the world to achieve this feat.”

As a humanitarian, Hilda believes that everyone deserves well-prepared meals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she provided over 3,000 meals to less privileged communities for social impact. She has also trained over 2,500 students in the culinary arts, giving prizes and incentives to the best-performing students.As a successful chef and entrepreneur, Hilda Baci has an estimated networth of $320,000. She is also known for her passion for luxury and her love of cars. Hilda has been spotted driving a number of high-end vehicles over the years, including Mercedes-Benz G wagons,  and powerful SUVs.