By EMMANUEL OGODO
Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci is a Nigerian celebrity chef of Akwa Ibom origin. She is a multi-talented Nigerian TV producer, actress and head cook at FoodbyHilda.
The 27-year-old foodpreneur has an estimated net worth of $320,000.
Born of Akwa-Ibom parents, Mr and Mrs Effiong Bassey, she completed her early education where she was raised by her parents, where her mother is reportedly a chef by profession as well.
Hilda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria.
She started her career as a chef just recently in 2020, but has managed to build a successful brand for herself known as FoodbyHilda.
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Nigerian Hilda set out to break a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, set by Lata Tondon from India on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
The Indian set the record after cooking for 87 hours 45 minutes. But Hilda surpassed it after completing her marathon cooking which lasted for 100 hours on Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos state, Nigeria.
Following the feat, many prominent Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari, have poured encomiums on the young achiever. The president, who took to Twitter to commend the chef, wrote:
“I share the immense joy of all Nigerians as Hilda Bassey Effiong (Hilda Baci) makes history by breaking the world record for the longest cooking marathon. A great day for Nigeria. We’re all very proud of what she has personally accomplished and for placing Nigeria in the global spotlight.”
He further added, “Hilda’s drive, ambition, and resilience have brought great interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food. She is now a cultural icon, and I believe that this feat will inspire many more young people, in Nigeria and beyond, to follow in her footsteps.”
On his part, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took to Instagram to celebrate Hilda. He wrote, “I congratulate Hilda Effiong Bassey on her record-breaking achievement. It was a remarkable display of the Nigerian can-do attitude and the spirit of excellence that lies within. We are deeply proud of her.”
Also, the Lagos state governor who visited the venue where Hilda was undertaking the adventure on Sunday, had this to say, “Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but also the resilience, determination, energy and team spirit that has come to be known as the spirit of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is truly remarkable.
“We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state. I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration.”
Others, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and former Governor of Akwa Ibom (Hilda’s state of origin), have also congratulated the talented chef for her determination and resilience.
Authorities at the Guinness World Records had on that Monday, after Hilda achieved the feat, recognised her deed, but said it was planning to review all the evidences before making official confirmation of the record breaking adventure of the Nigerian.
Apart from being a chef, Hilda has also showcased her acting prowess in various movies and soap operas, including Dream Chaser, which was nominated for Best Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2020.
Also 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.
Hilda is an inspiration to young people in Nigeria, Africa and indeed, the world over. While Nigerians wait anxiously for the confirmation by Guinness World Records, she has started receiving awards from Nigerians.
