Although the real secret behind the latest Guinness world record-breaker’s unflinching strength remains a mystery, speculators have mentioned many possible reasons why she didn’t give up despite the tedious days’ marathon of cooking.

Recall that the extraordinary Hilda Baci cooked for 100 hours non-stop between May 11 and 15, 2023, to beat the record of 87 hours, 45 minutes and 00 seconds set by Chef Lata London, in Rewa, India in 2019.

The Cook-a-Thon took place at Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos and was originally staged for four days Cook-a-Thon journey.

One of her obvious strengths is that in preparation for the competition, Hilda had a successful 24-hour dry run from April 12-13. She also partnered with a fitness trainer and nutritionist to lose some weight and adjust her diet.

She and her team had designed over 100 recipes to be served at the event open to the public through registration.

Secondly, according to her, the essence of the Cook-a-Thon was an inspirational platform for young people. Her motive of being a motivator would give her more strength and would not want to let young people down by giving up.

Another third secret is the support she got from Nigerians. Hilda Baci was never left alone in the course. she got unflinching support from Nigerians both online and offline, through prayers and many inspirational utterances. As a matter of fact, the Nigeria’s President-elect also extended words of inspiration to cheer her up by referring to her as Idan (a trending word for an extraordinary person).

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he wished more Nigerian youths should follow Chef Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci’s footsteps.

Buhari stated this in his congratulatory message to Hilda, who broke the world record of longest hours of cooking, finding her way into the Guinness Book of Records, and placing Nigeria on the global spotlight.

He lauded the 27-year-old Chef, for turning her talent and passion into a career, with a rippling effect on the economy as she runs a restaurant in Lagos, and trains other talents on entrepreneurship, and now leads the world in resilience, perseverance, and consistency in cooking.

Femi Adesina who signed the statement noted that: “The President notes the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021, preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice.

“President Buhari believes Hilda Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her footsteps.

“The President thanks the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that has brought glory to the country. President Buhari wishes Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career.”

Vanguard

…describes pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group leader “a light unto our paths”

President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has heaped praises on Nigerian nationalist and leader of pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on his 97th birthday for his commitment to the ideals of good governance in Nigeria and unwavering dedication to progressive politics.

Asiwaju Tinubu in a statement from his office signed by Tunde Rahman praised Pa Fasoranti who turns 97 on Thursday May 11 for his exemplary life of courage and public service as a Teacher, School Principal, Local Government Chairman, Administrator, Commissioner for Finance and astute politician.

The President-elect recalled the various roles Pa Fasoranti played in progressive politics in Nigeria and the South-west in particular from his student days at the University College, Ibadan where he was an active member of Action Group and one of the trusted allies of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of the Western Region, and Chief Adekunle Ajasin, first civilian governor of old Ondo State.

According to the President-elect, Pa Fasoranti established his lasting legacy in the educational sector where he made invaluable impacts on many of his former students and generations of students at Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School where he was the founding Principal, Iwo Baptist High School, Olivet Baptist School, Oyo and Christ School Ado-Ekiti where he retired as a Principal.

As an astute School administrator, Pa Fasoranti after retirement founded a private school with his wife, Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School that changed the landscape of private primary and secondary education in Ondo State.

While highlighting the public service records of the venerable statesman, Asiwaju Tinubu described the Afenifere leader as “a light unto our paths” and a worthy example for all to emulate, adding that Pa Fasoranti lived a value-guided life in public office as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State under the leadership of Chief Adekunle Ajasin and creditably discharged his duties as leader of Afenifere.

Tinubu also praised Pa Fasoranti’s ecumenical spirit as a great man of faith with uncommon grace and fortitude to bear pain and live with personal tragedies without harbouring any bitterness and hate towards God and man.

“On this special day that our father, Chief Reuben Fasoranti turns 97, we have nothing but gratitude to God for granting him long life and presence of mind.

“All of us in the progressive fold are inspired by the long years of unflinching dedication to public good by Baba. We are motivated to follow his examples because Baba Fasoranti is a light unto our paths.

“I particularly thank Baba for his support for me, his guidance and encouragement during the campaigns for the presidency of Nigeria. He gave me confidence and demonstrated total support. When I visited him in Akure after I won my party’s ticket, I told him to still stay long enough with us to see a great Nigeria that his generation worked hard and fought for. I made a pledge to Baba and all Nigerians that I will work day and night to fulfill the promise of a greater country.

“I remain resolutely committed to that promise, even as I’m delighted that Baba is still very much around with us.

“I join the children, entire family, friends, associates and Afenifere men and women to wish Baba a glorious 97th birthday.”

Office of President-elect
Tunde Rahman
May 11, 2023