President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his desire for more young Nigerians to emulate Chef Hilda Bassey Effiong, famously known as Hilda Baci.
Buhari expressed this in his congratulations to Hilda, who entered the Guinness Book of Records after setting a new record for the longest cooking session and drawing attention to Nigeria on a global scale.
He praised the 27-year-old chef for turning her talent and passion into a career, which had a positive ripple effect on the economy. She now leads the world in cooking resilience, perseverance, and consistency. She also runs a restaurant in Lagos and mentors other talented individuals in entrepreneurship.
The statement’s signatory, Femi Adesina, stated: “The President notes the antecedents of the restaurateur who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021, preparing mouthwatering dishes that won the choice prize and resolved an age-old dispute with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof-rice.
“President Buhari hopes that more young people will follow in the footsteps of Hilda Baci, who he believes has increased interest in and understanding of the distinctiveness of Nigerian cuisine as another cultural icon with significant benefits to tourism.
“The President appreciates the Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon sponsors, government leaders, especially Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, celebrities from the burgeoning music and entertainment industries, and Hilda Baci fans for all of the support that has elevated the nation. Hilda Baci is given the best wishes of President Buhari for a successful career.