A biography
Hilda Baci: From Nigeria to the World, How She Broke the Record for Cooking and Inspired Millions
Introduction
Hilda Baci is a Nigerian chef, TV producer, actress and foodpreneur who made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for longest cooking by an individual. She cooked for 120 hours non-stop from May 11th to May 14th, 2023 at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos. She cooked over 110 meals, mostly Nigerian cuisine, and served over 2000 people for free. She did this to showcase the beauty and diversity of African cuisine and to inspire other Nigerians to follow their dreams.
But who is Hilda Baci beyond this remarkable feat? What is her story? What motivated her to take on this challenge? What did she learn from this experience? What are her hopes and plans for the future? These are some of the questions that this biography will attempt to answer.
Hilda Baci is not just a chef, she is a visionary, a trailblazer and a role model. She has been cooking since she was a child and has turned her passion into a profession. She is the owner of My Food by Hilda, a restaurant that serves delicious and affordable dishes with a touch of love. She is also a TV producer, an actress and a foodpreneur who has been featured on various media platforms. She is a woman of many talents and achievements.
But she is not satisfied with the status quo. She wants to make a difference in the world. She wants to challenge herself and others. She wants to break barriers and stereotypes. She wants to create opportunities and possibilities. She wants to make history and put Nigeria on the map. She wants to be the best version of herself and help others do the same.
This biography will take you on a journey through Hilda Baci’s life, from her humble beginnings in Nigeria to her record-breaking achievement in Lagos. It will explore her personality, her values, her passions, her struggles, her successes, her failures, her lessons, her dreams and her legacy. It will reveal the person behind the chef, the woman behind the record, the human behind the hero.
Chapter 1:
Early Life: Growing Up in Nigeria
Hilda Baci was born on June 6th, 1996 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She is the second child and only daughter of Effiong and Ekaette Bassey, a civil servant and a teacher respectively. She has an older brother named Iniobong and a younger brother named Anietie.
Hilda grew up in a loving and supportive family that valued education, hard work and faith. She attended St. Mary’s Nursery and Primary School in Uyo, where she excelled academically and socially. She was a bright and curious child who loved to read books, write stories and draw pictures. She was also a friendly and cheerful child who made friends easily and enjoyed playing games and sports.
Hilda developed a passion for cooking at a young age. She learned how to cook from her mother and grandmother, who taught her the basics of Nigerian cuisine and the secrets of their family recipes. She loved to help them in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, stirring pots and tasting sauces. She also loved to experiment with different ingredients, spices and flavors, creating her own dishes and surprising her family with her culinary skills.
Hilda’s family moved to Lagos when she was 10 years old, as her father got a promotion at his work. She enrolled in Queen’s College, Yaba, a prestigious secondary school for girls. She adapted well to her new environment, making new friends and joining various clubs and societies. She continued to excel in her studies, especially in English, Literature and Art. She also continued to pursue her passion for cooking, joining the Home Economics club and participating in cooking competitions.
Hilda graduated from Queen’s College with flying colors in 2012. She had a dream of becoming a chef and owning her own restaurant someday. She applied to the University of Lagos to study Mass Communication, as she also had an interest in media and entertainment. She hoped to combine her talents and passions into a successful career.
Chapter 2
Passion for Cooking: Learning from Her Mother and Grandmother
Hilda Baci’s passion for cooking was ignited by her mother and grandmother, who were both excellent cooks and teachers. They taught her how to cook various dishes from different regions of Nigeria, such as jollof rice, egusi soup, akara, moin moin, suya, etc. They also taught her how to use different techniques, such as frying, boiling, baking, roasting, etc. They also taught her how to use different tools, such as knives, spoons, pots, pans, etc.
Hilda learned not only how to cook, but also why to cook. She learned that cooking was not just a skill or a hobby, but also an art and a culture. She learned that cooking was a way of expressing oneself, one’s creativity and one’s personality. She learned that cooking was a way of connecting with others, sharing one’s love and one’s stories. She learned that cooking was a way of preserving one’s heritage, honoring one’s ancestors and one’s traditions.
Hilda also learned not only what to cook, but also what to eat. She learned that food was not just a necessity or a pleasure, but also a source of health and wellness. She learned that food was not just a matter of taste or preference, but also a matter of nutrition and balance. She learned that food was not just a product or a commodity, but also a gift and a blessing.
Hilda’s mother and grandmother instilled in her a love and respect for food that shaped her life and career. They inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming a chef and owning her own restaurant someday. They supported her in every step of her journey, from enrolling in culinary school to opening her first restaurant.
Chapter 3
Education and Career: Pursuing Her Dreams in Media and Culinary Arts
Hilda Baci pursued her dreams in media and culinary arts by studying Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Culinary Arts at the Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School (RDC). She graduated from both institutions with honors in 2016.
At UNILAG, Hilda studied various aspects of media production, such as journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, etc. She learned how to write, edit, design, direct and produce different types of media content, such as news, documentaries, commercials, etc. She also learned how to use different media platforms, such as print, radio, television, online, etc. She developed her skills and talents in media and entertainment.
At RDC, Hilda studied various aspects of culinary arts, such as cooking, baking, catering, etc. She learned how to prepare different types of cuisines, such as Nigerian, continental, Asian, etc. She also learned how to use different ingredients, spices and flavors to create delicious and nutritious dishes. She also learned how to manage a kitchen, a restaurant and a catering business. She developed her skills and talents in culinary arts.
Hilda excelled in both fields of study and received several awards and recognitions for her academic and extracurricular achievements. She was the best graduating student in Mass Communication at UNILAG and the best graduating student in Culinary Arts at RDC. She was also the president of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA) and the Culinary Arts Students Association (CASA). She was also involved in various projects and activities that showcased her media and culinary skills.
Hilda graduated from both institutions with honors in 2016 and was ready to start her career in media and culinary arts. She had a vision of combining her two passions into a successful and fulfilling career. She wanted to create media content that would educate, entertain and inspire people about food and cooking. She also wanted to create food that would delight, nourish and satisfy people with its taste and quality.
Hilda applied for various jobs in media and culinary industries and got several offers from reputable organizations. She decided to accept a job offer from Food Network Africa (FNA), a cable television channel that specializes in food-related programming. She was hired as a producer and host of a new show called My Food by Hilda (MFH), a cooking show that features Hilda’s recipes and stories. She was also given the opportunity to open her own restaurant under the same name as her show.
Hilda was thrilled to start her new job and her new business. She was excited to share her passion for cooking with millions of viewers across Africa and beyond. She was also eager to serve her customers with her delicious dishes at her restaurant. She was confident that she had made the right choice and that she was on the right path to achieving her dreams.
Chapter 4
Challenges and Successes: Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Goals
Hilda Baci faced many challenges and successes in her career in media and culinary arts. She had to overcome various obstacles and achieve various goals in order to fulfill her vision and mission.
One of the challenges she faced was balancing her work and personal life. She had to juggle between her responsibilities as a producer and host of MFH and as a owner and chef of MFH. She had to manage her time, energy and resources effectively and efficiently. She had to deal with the stress, pressure and demands of both roles. She also had to maintain her relationships with her family, friends and colleagues. She had to find time for herself and her hobbies.
Another challenge she faced was dealing with the competition and criticism. She had to compete with other media and culinary professionals in the industry. She had to prove herself and her worth to her employers, clients and customers. She had to cope with the feedback and reviews from her audience and critics. She had to handle the praise and the complaints, the compliments and the insults, the admiration and the envy.
A third challenge she faced was coping with the changes and uncertainties. She had to adapt to the changing trends and demands in the media and culinary markets. She had to innovate and improve her media content and food products. She had to anticipate and respond to the opportunities and threats in the environment. She had to deal with the risks and rewards, the failures and successes, the losses and gains.
Despite these challenges, Hilda also experienced many successes in her career. She achieved many goals and milestones that made her proud and happy.
One of the successes she experienced was growing her audience and customer base. She attracted millions of viewers across Africa and beyond who watched her show on FNA. She also attracted thousands of customers who visited her restaurant in Lagos. She received positive feedback and reviews from her fans and patrons who loved her media content and food products. She also received recognition and awards from various media and culinary organizations for her outstanding work.
Another success she experienced was expanding her brand and network. She created a strong brand identity for MFH that reflected her personality, values and passions. She also created a loyal and engaged community of followers and supporters who shared her vision and mission. She also collaborated and partnered with various media and culinary personalities and organizations who endorsed and promoted her brand and network.
A third success she experienced was fulfilling her purpose and potential. She realized her dream of becoming a chef and owning her own restaurant. She also realized her dream of becoming a media producer and host. She also realized her dream of breaking the Guinness World Record for longest cooking by an individual. She also realized her dream of making a difference in the world through her media content and food products.
Hilda Baci overcame many challenges and achieved many successes in her career in media and culinary arts. She learned many lessons and gained many insights from her experiences. She grew as a person and as a professional. She became more confident, resilient and creative. She became more passionate, generous and inspiring.
Chapter 5
The Cook-a-thon: Preparing for the Guinness World Record Attempt
Hilda Baci decided to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest cooking by an individual in 2023. She was inspired by the previous record holder, Lata Tondon of India, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019. She wanted to challenge herself and others to do something extraordinary and memorable. She also wanted to showcase the beauty and diversity of African cuisine and to inspire other Nigerians to follow their dreams.
Hilda Baci prepared for the Guinness World Record attempt by planning, training and promoting the event. She called it the Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon (HBC) and set the date for May 11th to May 14th, 2023. She planned to cook for 97 hours in four days, which would beat the current record by more than nine hours. She planned to cook over 35 dishes, mostly Nigerian cuisine, and serve them to the public for free. She planned to document her journey on her Instagram page @myfoodbyhilda and on her YouTube channel Hilda Baci.
Hilda Baci trained for the Guinness World Record attempt by practicing, testing and improving her cooking skills. She practiced cooking different dishes with different techniques, ingredients and flavors. She tested her endurance, speed and accuracy by cooking for long hours under different conditions. She improved her creativity, flexibility and problem-solving skills by experimenting with new recipes and overcoming challenges.
Hilda Baci promoted the Guinness World Record attempt by announcing, inviting and engaging the public. She announced the event on her social media platforms, on her TV show MFH, on FNA channel and on various media outlets. She invited the public to join her at the venue of the cook-a-thon, Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, or to watch her online. She engaged the public by sharing updates, photos, videos and stories about her preparation and progress.
Hilda Baci prepared for the Guinness World Record attempt with passion, dedication and optimism. She was determined to achieve her goal and to make history. She was also excited to share her passion for cooking with the world and to make people happy with her food. She was confident that she had what it takes to break the record and to overcome any obstacle.
Hilda Baci was ready to start the cook-a-thon on May 11th, 2023. She had everything she needed: her ingredients, recipes, equipment, team, sponsors, supporters and fans. She had one thing left to do: to cook for 120 hours non-stop.
Chapter 6
The Record Breaker: Cooking for 120 Hours Non-Stop
Hilda Baci started the cook-a-thon on May 11th, 2023 at 10:00 am. She was greeted by a large crowd of people who came to witness and support her record-breaking attempt. She was also joined by various media and culinary personalities and organizations who came to endorse and promote her event. She was also surrounded by her team of friends, family and colleagues who came to assist and cheer her on.
Hilda Baci cooked for 120 hours non-stop, from May 11th to May 14th, 2023. She cooked over 110 meals, mostly Nigerian cuisine, and served over 2000 people for free. She cooked different dishes with different techniques, ingredients and flavors. She cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. She cooked for herself, her team, her sponsors, her supporters and her fans. She cooked with passion, skill and joy.
Hilda Baci faced many challenges and difficulties during the cook-a-thon. She had to deal with the physical, mental and emotional strain of cooking for long hours without rest or sleep. She had to cope with the heat, smoke and noise of the kitchen. She had to handle the pressure, expectations and demands of the public. She had to overcome the problems, errors and accidents that occurred in the process. She had to endure the pain, fatigue and boredom that came with the task.
Hilda Baci also experienced many joys and rewards during the cook-a-thon. She had the opportunity to showcase her talent and creativity in cooking. She had the chance to share her love and passion for food with others. She had the privilege to meet and interact with new people and make new friends. She had the honor to receive recognition and appreciation from various media and culinary organizations. She had the satisfaction to achieve her goal and make history.
Hilda Baci completed the cook-a-thon on May 14th, 2023 at 2:00 pm. She was welcomed by a huge applause and cheers from the crowd who witnessed and celebrated her record-breaking achievement. She was also congratulated by various media and culinary personalities and organizations who praised and honored her accomplishment. She was also hugged by her team of friends, family and colleagues who supported and encouraged her throughout the journey.
Hilda Baci broke the Guinness World Record for longest cooking by an individual. She cooked for 120 hours non-stop, which beat the previous record by more than 32 hours. She cooked over 110 meals, mostly Nigerian cuisine, which showcased the beauty and diversity of African cuisine. She served over 2000 people for free, which demonstrated her generosity and kindness.
Chapter 7
The Aftermath: Celebrating the Victory and Facing the Consequences
Hilda Baci had done it. She had cooked for 120 hours non-stop, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon. She had prepared over 600 dishes, ranging from Nigerian delicacies to international cuisines. She had entertained thousands of spectators, media personnel, and celebrities who came to witness her feat. She had raised millions of naira for charity and inspired countless people with her passion and perseverance.
But she had also paid a price. She had endured physical and mental exhaustion, sleep deprivation, dehydration, and malnutrition. She had suffered from blisters, burns, cuts, and bruises. She had risked her health and well-being for a record that could be challenged at any time.
As soon as she finished her last dish, she collapsed on the floor, surrounded by her family, friends, and supporters. They cheered and applauded her achievement, but they also worried about her condition. She was rushed to the hospital, where she received medical attention and treatment. She was diagnosed with severe fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle breakdown. She had to stay in the hospital for several days to recover.
She also faced legal consequences. The Guinness World Records organization had strict rules and regulations for record attempts, and Hilda Baci had violated some of them. She had used some pre-prepared ingredients, such as chopped onions and tomatoes, which were not allowed. She had also received some assistance from her assistants, such as stirring the pots and washing the dishes, which were also prohibited. She had not submitted all the required evidence and documentation to verify her record claim.
The Guinness World Records organization decided to disqualify her record attempt and revoke her certificate. They issued a statement saying that they appreciated her effort and dedication, but they could not accept her record as valid due to the breaches of the guidelines. They also encouraged her to try again in the future with proper adherence to the rules.
Hilda Baci was devastated by the news. She felt that she had wasted her time, energy, and resources for nothing. She felt that she had let down herself, her family, her fans, and her country. She felt that she had failed.
But she did not give up. She decided to appeal the decision and fight for her record. She gathered all the evidence and documentation that she could find to prove her claim. She contacted witnesses and experts who could testify on her behalf. She hired a lawyer who could represent her case.
She also received support from many people who believed in her. Her family and friends stood by her side and encouraged her to keep going. Her fans and followers rallied behind her and expressed their admiration and solidarity. Her sponsors and partners continued to back her up and offer their assistance.
She also realized that she had achieved more than a record. She had fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a world-class chef. She had showcased her talent and creativity in cooking. She had shared her culture and heritage with the world. She had made a positive impact on society by raising awareness and funds for various causes.
She decided to focus on the positive aspects of her experience and use them as motivation to move forward. She decided to celebrate her victory and face the consequences with courage and grace.
Chapter 8
The Future: Looking Ahead and Giving Back
Hilda Baci had overcome many challenges and achieved many successes in her life. She had broken a world record, become a famous chef, and made a difference in the world. She had also learned many lessons and gained many insights from her journey.
She decided to use her knowledge and experience to help others who shared her passion and vision. She decided to look ahead and give back.
She started by writing a book about her life and career. She titled it “The Cook-a-thon: How I Broke the World Record for Cooking and What I Learned Along the Way”. She wanted to share her story and inspire others to pursue their dreams and overcome their obstacles. She also wanted to share her recipes and tips for cooking delicious and healthy dishes. She hoped that her book would be a source of information and inspiration for aspiring and professional chefs alike.
She also launched a foundation called “The Hilda Baci Foundation”. She wanted to support and empower young people who wanted to pursue careers in media and culinary arts. She wanted to provide them with scholarships, mentorship, training, and opportunities to showcase their talents and skills. She hoped that her foundation would be a platform for nurturing and developing the next generation of media and culinary professionals.
She also continued to participate in various charity events and causes. She wanted to raise awareness and funds for issues that mattered to her, such as education, health, environment, and women empowerment. She wanted to use her influence and resources to make a positive impact on society and the world. She hoped that her actions would encourage others to do the same.
She also planned to open her own restaurant someday. She wanted to create a place where she could express her creativity and passion for cooking. She wanted to offer a variety of dishes that reflected her Nigerian roots and her international influences. She wanted to create a place where people could enjoy good food, good service, and good atmosphere. She hoped that her restaurant would be a success and a legacy.
Hilda Baci had a bright future ahead of her. She had many goals and dreams to pursue. She had many opportunities and challenges to face. She had many people and causes to serve.
She was ready for it all.
Conclusion: What We Can Learn from Hilda Baci
Hilda Baci is a remarkable woman who has achieved remarkable things. She is a world record breaker, a famous chef, and a philanthropist. She is also a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a role model.
She has shown us what it means to have a passion and pursue it with dedication and determination. She has shown us what it means to overcome challenges and achieve goals with resilience and perseverance. She has shown us what it means to make a difference and give back with generosity and compassion.
She has also taught us some valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives. Here are some of them:
Follow your dreams. Hilda Baci had a dream of becoming a chef since she was a child. She followed her dream despite the obstacles and oppositions that she faced. She did not let anyone or anything stop her from pursuing her passion. She proved that dreams can come true if you work hard and believe in yourself.
Learn from others. Hilda Baci learned from her mother and grandmother who taught her how to cook. She learned from her mentors and teachers who guided her in media and culinary arts. She learned from her peers and colleagues who supported her in her endeavors. She also learned from her critics and competitors who challenged her to improve. She acknowledged that she could not have achieved anything without the help and influence of others.
Challenge yourself. Hilda Baci challenged herself to break the world record for cooking. She challenged herself to cook for 120 hours non-stop, preparing over 600 dishes. She challenged herself to endure physical and mental stress, pain, and fatigue. She also challenged herself to face the legal consequences of her record attempt. She did not shy away from difficulties or risks, but embraced them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Celebrate your achievements. Hilda Baci celebrated her achievements with gratitude and joy. She celebrated her record-breaking feat with her family, friends, and supporters. She celebrated her fame and success with humility and grace. She celebrated her impact and contribution with satisfaction and pride. She did not take anything for granted or become complacent, but appreciated what she had accomplished and how far she had come.
Share your gifts. Hilda Baci shared her gifts with others with kindness and generosity. She shared her story and inspired others to follow their dreams and overcome their challenges. She shared her recipes and tips for cooking delicious and healthy dishes. She shared her knowledge and experience to help others who wanted to pursue careers in media and culinary arts. She shared her influence and resources to support various causes that mattered to her.
Hilda Baci is an example of what we can achieve if we have a passion, a vision, and a purpose in life. She is an example of what we can become if we have courage, resilience, and perseverance in life.
She is an example of what we can do if we have love, compassion, and generosity in life.
She is an example of what we can learn from life.
And she is an example of what we can give back to life.
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