?? ?????? ??? ???❜? ???? ????? ?????????? ?? ????? ? ???????? ????? ??????:

?????? ??? ???? ????? ???

You must have noticed that a particular lady is tearing the internet apart with her phenomenal attempt to break a cooking record and set another that might take years to break. She’s the center of attention now.

Having broken the existing record, she’s currently the first human on the planet to cook for 90+ hours nonstop. She’s Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef.

But first, there are 10 things you should know about attempting to set or break a Guinness World Record.

1. Non-payment Rule:

While millions of people out there think that setting or breaking a Guinness World Record can change one’s financial fortune, the reverse is the case. Guinness World Records holders are not paid a dime.

Guinness World Record makers and breakers are typically not paid by Guinness World Records for their achievements. While breaking a record can bring recognition, media exposure, and potential sponsorship opportunities, it is primarily seen as a personal accomplishment rather than a financial endeavor.

So, participants usually undertake record-breaking attempts out of passion, personal goals, or to raise awareness for a cause rather than for monetary gain.

From the current record holders for the shortest man and the tallest man to the strongest man and the likes, none of them get paid a cent for their achievements.

At this point, it is okay to say that money wasn’t Hilda’s primary motivation to attempt this mind-boggling record.

In her interview, she confirmed that she’s doing this to prove that any woman can do the unimaginable by stepping out of her comfort zone and pushing herself hard enough to attempt what others term “impossible.”

However, the good side is that the level of exposure and visibility you’ll get as a record breaker can open doors for you. Hilda is a glaring example.

Look at what Hilda achieved in 3 days:

1. Her YouTube subscribers grew from less than 1000 to 7.5k+ (last I checked)

2. Influencers from across the country poured in their support for her…from singing for free to cheering her up. Charles Okocha, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Dremo…to mention but a few

3. Her Instagram account is now verified

4. She’s gotten massive recognition from government officials, with Governors and former Governors even hitting the venue to cheer her up.

Sanwo Olu went but wasn’t allowed to blend pepper nor put on an apron this time around.

Aso Rock phoned her yesterday. And yes, Nigerians are glad that it was 002 who called her and not 001. You gerrit?

5. She has become a social media sensation, and I can boldly say that she’s the #1 social media trend in West Africa with hashtags like #Hildabaci, #96hrs, #Idanchef, #Gohilda…

6. The brand managers of some brands who rejected Hilda’s proposal for sponsorship are on fire for being shortsighted ?. (This one sweet me die—imagine getting fired because you didn’t believe in a mere Chef to push your brand forward).

2. Zero Sponsorship:

Guinness World Records do not sponsor your record breaking attempt. They don’t. It is your sole responsibility to do that.

This literally means that all the food Hilda has been cooking since Thursday is sponsored by her food brand and external sponsors like Gino, Dano, and the rest.

Funnily enough, despite not sponsoring your record setting or breaking attempt, Guinness World Records makes it a rule that the food must not be sold. It is to be given out for free. They have no room for a record attempter trying to use the opportunity to make money.

3. Rigorous Verification Process:

Breaking a Guinness World Record involves a meticulous verification process. It includes providing extensive evidence, witness testimonies, and expert adjudication to ensure the record-breaking attempt is legitimate.

Right there in that kitchen or even within the van where Hilda observes her routine breaks, there are GWR officials monitoring every step of the process. These officials are known as “Adjudicators.” They are deployed by Guinness World Records to oversee the record attempt and ensure that all rules and guidelines are followed.

So at this point, my prayer is, may the attempts of Nigerians to motivate and support Hilda not end up ruining her chances of being recognized by Guinness World Records. They might unknowingly break a rule.

4. Category Selection:

Guinness World Records offers a vast range of categories, and choosing the right one is crucial. Sometimes, creating a new category might be necessary if your attempt doesn’t fit existing ones.

Hilda chose an existing record held by Lata Tondon; an Indian Chef, who did a staggering 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 0 seconds in 2019.

Hilda had beaten that record since 7 am of Monday, 15th May. Her target is 96 hours.

5. Research and Planning:

Breaking a Guinness world record requires thorough research and planning. You need to understand the current record, identify potential challenges, and develop a detailed strategy to surpass it successfully.

So, what we don’t know is that it took Hilda years to prepare for this—financially, physically, and spiritually.

In fact, two years ago, Hilda weighed 110 kg. According to her, she’s currently about 92kg, and this was part of her goals toward achieving this Cookathon. Hilda has been preparing for this for years. Kudos to Kemen her trainer.

She had also been sourcing for funds from external sponsors, and ruffled murmurs within her team have claimed that many brands turned down her proposal on the grounds of “impossibility.” Perhaps, they regarded her goal of cooking for 96 hours as a castle in the air.

So, if she didn’t provide a verifiable plan during her Guinness World Records verification process, she’d have never been permitted to attempt the record.

6. Documentation:

Documenting your attempt is essential. You must collect extensive evidence, including videos, photographs, witness statements, and official documentation, to support your claim.

If these documentation get quite suspicious at some point, you might risk all you’ve toiled for in a bid to break that record.

7. Expert Witnesses:

Guinness World Records often requires independent expert witnesses to verify your attempt. These witnesses must be professionals or authorities related to your record-breaking endeavor.

So, right there in the tension-riven kitchen with Hilda and within the vicinity are chefs from across continents who exist to attest that her meals are prepared in concordance with global standards.

So far, Hilda’s culinary dexterity is reported to browbeat that of Lata Tandon, the previous record holder.

There are clear statistics to show that Lata did more of pastries, but Hilda cooked full meals and, even before breaking the current record, had cooked more meals than Lata Tandon.

8. Record Guidelines:

Each record category has specific guidelines that must be followed precisely. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in utter disqualification.

Understanding the rules and requirements is crucial before attempting to break a record.

In this Cookathon, Hilda is never to be seen sitting down at any point throughout the attempt except during her breaks. She’s not to be seen having coffee or any other stimulant. She’s entitled to just food, water, and fruits…she’s permitted to take glucose too.

So, even if Hilda does 200 hours of uninterrupted cooking but goes against these rules, she’d be disqualified.

9. Application Process:

You must formally apply to Guinness World Records, providing detailed information about your record attempt. This includes describing the record, explaining your plan, and outlining your qualifications for the attempt.

If this doesn’t tally with the standard of Guinness World Records, you won’t be granted an attempt.

10. Verification Fees:

Guinness World Records charges a verification fee for processing your record attempt. These fees may vary depending on the complexity and significance of the record category.

Although there’s currently no way to ascertain how much was paid, Hilda paid Guinness World Records a verification fee to be allowed to undertake this attempt.

You get it? Instead of getting paid, she paid them to attempt to break the record.

Would you mind a bonus fact?

Okay. There we go.

11. Record Submission Timeline:

There is usually a specified timeline for submitting your record attempt to Guinness World Records.

It’s important to adhere to this timeline to ensure your attempt is considered and reviewed in a timely manner.

In other words, if Hilda’s team doesn’t submit the report of her records breaking attempt to Guinness World Records today, Monday 15th May, she might lose a chance to be crowned the current record holder for the longest Cookathon by an individual.

Now that you know these things, pray that Hilda ticks all these boxes and then buckle up your shoelace for a big celebration later today after Hilda becomes the first human on the planet to cook for 96 hours nonstop…

I’m Hildalated…are you?

Update: Hilda Baci wrapped up the challenge on Monday, May 15th at a staggering 100 hours, 40 minutes. To portray the typical “Nigerian” spirit in her, she added additional 4 hours to the initial target of 96 hours.

However, the Guiness World Records is yet to recognize this feat. It might take a week or more.

But that doesn’t annul the fact that this is massive win for Africa, for Nigeria, for Akwa Ibom and for Hilda Baci.

© Felix Eshiet