AKHA passes resolution recognizing Cook-A-Thon star, Hilda Baci, as Guinness World Record holder
• Hilda Baci, GWR holder
By Itoro Bassey
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Thursday, overwhelmingly passed a resolution recognizing Nigerian Chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, as a Guinness World Record (GWR) holder, following her successful cooking marathon held at Lekki, Lagos, between May 11 and 15, 2023.
This came after a motion to recognize Ms. Baci, a daughter of Akwa Ibom State, as a Guinness World Record holder, was moved by the deputy leader of the House, Bob Otobong, representing Nsit Ubium state constituency.
Bob, in his motion, recalled that on completion of the global sensation’s four-day cooking activity covering 93 hours and 11 minutes, she created more than 55 recipes and over 100 meals, including local delicacies peculiar to Akwa Ibom State.
Bob said: “This epoch-making event gathered momentum globally and throughout the Federation, as various Nigerian citizens, celebrities and dignitaries thronged in to support our very own daughter.
“Fom available records, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has a custom of officially giving credence and commendations to true ambassadors of our state who have achieved successes in various feats globally.
“These include Ms. Ime Ime Umanah, who was the first black African President of the Prestigious Harvard Law Review, and Master Stephen Udotong, a Nigerian whizkid in the United States of America while built the first Nuclear Fusor in 2017 among others”.
Members of the House, including Asuquo Nana Udo (YPP, Ikono state constituency), Effiong Johnson (PDD, Mbo state constituency), Jerry Otu (PDP, Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara state constituency) and Mrs. Itoro Etim (PDP, Uruan state constituency), acknowledged the motion, maintaining that Hilda Bassey has, through her cooking event, projected Akwa Ibom State in good light.
They noted that Hilda Baci’s recognition would serve as a morale booster and encouragement to other Akwa Ibom citizens who may wish to attempt such positive feat in different endeavors.
Responding, the Speaker, Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to issue an official congratulatory message on behalf of the House to Ms. Hilda Bassey.
Hilda Baci, on Monday, received her award plaque for the longest marathon cooking. She made this announcement in a post on her official Instagram page.
After Hilda Baci was officially certified by Guinness World Record, GWR, as the longest cooking marathon holder, the management of Amore Gardens renamed its Industrial Kitchen as ‘Chef Hilda’s Kitchen’ as a way of honouring the Cook-A-Thon star.
Also at Plenary, “A Bill for A Law to Provide Easy Access to Higher Education for Akwa Ibom Students through Interest Free Loans from the State Education Bank Established in this Law with a View to Provide Education for all Akwa Ibom Students and for Related Matters”, sponsored by Otobong Bob scaled through the first reading and was committed to the House Committee on Rules, Business and Ethics for rescheduling.
The House further adjourned plenary to Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 10am.
22/6/2023
