Hilda Baci needs no introduction. For the past, give or take 2 weeks she’s all anyone has been able to talk about. Hilda Effiong Bassey is a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and the current holder of the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking. However, her title is still under review. Hilda beat the previous record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual set in 2019 by 87 hours and 50 minutes on Monday, May 15, 2023, at precisely 7:45 a.m. A representative for Guinness World Records issued a comment on the organization’s website on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, stating: “We are aware of the record attempt and are looking forward to receiving the evidence for our Records Management Team to review before we can confirm the record is official.”
Baci’s attempt was so inspiring it drew people to her. Everyone online and at the venue itself wanted to support her as best as they could. When Baci set out to break Lata Tondon’s record she made a decision to do something no one had ever done before; to cook for more than 87 hours. That was the aim. At 100 hours, she got and surpassed her goal. The world can’t stop cheering for her. What she’s probably not aware of is that she did so much more than that! Keep reading to learn all the things Hilda Baci intentionally did when she won the world record for marathon cooking.
She Inspired All Nigerians To Aim For So Much More
Baci’s fantastic attempt was so inspiring she’s lit a fire under every Nigerian’s ass. It’s becoming almost common to hear people say, “If Hilda can do it, why can’t you?” Sometimes this is the best motivational tool, other times it just makes everyone laugh. Usually, because it’s said at the worst time. Oh, you can’t find the book you need for class? Ah ah, if Hilda can do it, why can’t you?
Don’t forget; Most people that say this are joking and some may only be trying to motivate you. Everyone has their own race to run. Take your life a day at a time. It is okay if you don’t win a Guinness world record at 27. Live your own life.
She Made Black And Specifically African Women Believe They Could Do Anything
Do you know what it means to cook for 100 hours??! Many cannot cook for 3 hours! Do you know what Hilda did? She DID THAT!! She’s a Nigerian woman that beat a Guinness world record. She prepped, trained and put in all the effort she could to achieve her goal. Do you know what hard work does? It pays and it sure paid Hilda. All her efforts were rewarded and now very African and black women use her as an example and an inspiration to work towards their goals. Baci gave us all hope and we are so here for it!
She Brought A Nation So Divided, Together
Nigeria, Nigeria. My dear country. My dear, sweet tribalistic country. Every Nigerian knows how it is. The classism, colourism and tribalism are ridiculous! So much hate and division clouds Nigerians but they are always quick to defend and hype their own when another nation comes for them and when that Nigerian is doing their very best to put Nigeria on the map. Hilda Baci’s attempt was so phenomenal, people from all works of life including stars like Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince and more and normal everyday people came together to give her the hype she needed to not give up! It was beautiful.
She Put More Pressure On Nigerian Youths
Though she did such a great thing and has inspired so many people, she has unintentionally added a level of pressure no one needed. Nigerian youths will judge their personal success and may see everything they do as too little. They may think they’re falling behind in life. To my fellow youths, never forget that your life can never be the same as another person’s. Not even your siblings. You have your own personal race to run. So take inspiration where you can but be kind and patient with yourself. Also, never ever give up!
She Gave Nigerian Mothers The Ammunition They Needed
This is the time you’re going to hear, ‘does Hilda Baci have two heads??’ every time you’re having a disagreement with your parent’s about your life choices. Take it in stride. Laugh it off because more often than not the conversation will be ridiculous. Also, though their methods may be annoying and bordering on unhealthy, don’t forget, this is how our annoying parents show they care.