"We’re proud of you" ~ President Buhari shower praises on Hilda Baci for placing Nigeria on global spotlight

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, has extended his warmest congratulations to Hilda Bassey Effiong, affectionately known as Hilda Baci, for breaking the world Guinness record for the longest cooking time. This remarkable feat was accomplished on Monday, May 15, 2023, when Baci smashed the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon.

In a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, on Monday, President Buhari commended Baci, a talented culinary expert, for her hard work, resilience, and perseverance, which have culminated in this remarkable achievement. Baci, who runs a thriving restaurant in Lagos, has also been training other aspiring chefs on entrepreneurship, and now stands as a global symbol of culinary excellence, resilience, and consistency.

The President applauded Baci's impressive credentials, citing her triumph at the Jollof Face-off Competition in 2021, where she dazzled the judges with her mouth-watering dishes, and settled the long-standing rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana over which country prepares the best Jollof rice.

By breaking this record, Baci has not only brought honour and glory to her country but has also shone a light on the unique and diverse Nigerian cuisine, which has tremendous tourism potential. President Buhari expressed hope that more young people would be inspired by Baci's remarkable achievements and follow in her footsteps.