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How ‘Idan Hilda’ Broke Guinness World Record For Longest Cooking

Published

3 years ago

May 15, 2023

Editor

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has continued to command massive attention with her participation in this year’s Cookathon Guinness World Record.

The sociology graduate from Madonna University, Okija, has since her emergence on the scene continued to prove her worth to the world.

Hence The PUNCH has decided she is worthy of being referred to as ‘Idan’, a slang which is a synonym for a person who achieves a difficult feat or a person who possesses the power of discernment.

Her journey to owning the ‘Idan’ title

As earlier stated in a previous article, the term Idan also celebrates individuals who prioritise logical and rational thinking in decision-making processes.

Before her recent feat as a Guinness World Record holder, Hilda earned Nigeria its first national food bragging rights when she won the Jollof competition in 2021. Chef Hilda represented Nigeria against Chef Seyram Leslie Kumordzie of Ghana and emerged winner, taking home a whopping $5,000.

Speaking during an interview following her first major win, the Akwa-Ibom-born chef, acknowledged the power of discernment (Idan) playing a huge role in her prowess and win.

According to Hilda, ”I’ve never had formal cooking training. My work is powered by vibes and the Holy Spirit. But I’ll probably train one day, mainly because I teach people. I’ll probably reach a point where I want to learn more so I have more to offer my students.”

On winning the jollof competition, Hilda added saying; ”I had a lot of sides, from stewed turkey to coleslaw to moi moi to a special green sauce. But I didn’t serve the moi moi because I realised it was a Nigerian thing. I didn’t want the blind judges to tell I was the Nigerian rep and let bias win.”

How Hilda Broke Guinness World Record For Longest Cooking

At 21, Hilda considered participating in the Guinness cook-a-thon but couldn’t due to finances. She soon came up with a plan to save enough for the competition. Five years later, working a full-time job at a fashion retail company, alongside acting, presenting cooking TV shows, and hosting a talent show — MTN Yello Star in 2020, Hilda was finally ready to participate in the Guinness World Record cook-a-thon challenge.

The cook-a-thon required that the Chef prepared 80 recipes, which could be repetitive, for four days and four nights. Hilda is aiming for a 96-hour mark to be completed by 4 pm, May 15, 2023.

On how she prepared for the cook-a-thon before the competition started, Hilda noted that she spent the last week resting a lot. ”I’ll need all my strength to cook non-stop for four days. But last, I enjoy cooking, so I hope I’ll have fun with it.”

So far, the young chef has prepared 35 sides, soups, cold dishes, and sauces, mostly Nigerian cuisine, and has 92hrs of marathon cooking under her apron.

Related Topics:Guinness World Records Longest Cooking Hilda Baci

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

24 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.