Her aspirations as chef, is for Africans to eat good and wisely.
It is said that “Delicious tasty food does not come from the kitchen but should be lovingly prepared. Fortunately, Hilda has become responsible for running the kitchen.
After graduating with a degree in sociology from Madonna University, located in Okija, Rivers State. She was the host of Dine on a Budget, a television show that airs on Pop Central TV. Hilda embarked on a culinary education program, drawing inspiration from her mother, a culinary chef.
In March 2023, Hilda announced she would be attempting the record for the longest cooking marathon. The record was previously held by Lata Tondon who’s cooking marathon lasted for 87 hours, 45 minutes in 2019.
On 11 May, 2023, she started her record attempt titled “Cook-a-thon”. She broke the record on 15 May.
On Monday May 15, 2023 ,at exactly 7:45 am, Hilda broke the record for longest cooking marathon by any individual hitting 87 hours 50 minutes above the previous record holder in 2019.
On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Guinness World Records spokesperson released an official statement on its website saying: “We are aware of the record attempt and are looking forward to receiving the evidence for our Records Management Team to review, before we can confirm the record is official.”
To set a new record of the longest cooking marathon, Hilda was originally set to cook for 96 hrs, but later extended her goal to a 100 hours cooking marathon.
High profile Nigerians who visited Hilda include Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Lead Pastor of Harvester International, Bolaji Idowu; Nigerian award-winning singer, Tiwa Savage, Tim Godfrey, Ice Prince.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo also called to cheer Hilda up during the cook-a-thon. Hilda received a huge fan base from Nigerians who trooped to the venue of the cooking competition, while others kept trending her name on Social Media.
TSASI
We can see how your face lights up with Joy and smiles.
Hilda
I was determined not to be defeated in the cooking marathon and worked harder than before.
TSASI
After graduating from college and breaking the cooking record, you have chosen to become a chef. Was it your dream since childhood?
Hilda:
Well, I have been cooking since I was a child and have turned my passion into a profession.
Through your records and cooking experiences, AssumptaGH publications has found out that you rehearsed with all your heart on the days of your performance, you expressed aspirations and sentiments about your cooking so as to reach those who attended your event.
Hilda
The events are so busy and tough that I almost gave up. However, I kept my spirits up remembering my mother’s encouragement to me that ” Be honest, straightforward, because women who became winners in their marriage are equipped with good cooking skills, busy purchasing organic products from suppliers and cooking good food for the family. So it is your duty as an African woman to be equipped with good cooking skills.
With my mother’s words at heart, I worked hard and became a winner filled with hopes and aspirations.
TSASI
So you had decided to make this victory a real turning point to showcase the beauty and diversity of African cuisine and to inspire other Nigerians to follow their dreams?
Hilda
Well, I am not just a chef who turned passion into a profession. Of course, I am the owner of My Food by Hilda, a restaurant that serves delicious and affordable dishes. But I also symbolise a African girl who has made a conscious effort to learn how to cook and serve my community my household with healthy delicious good food.
TSASI
Well, Modernism has brought with it the current argument of whether the kitchen is primarily a woman’s domain?
Hilda:
Indeed, as the world moves towards complete industrialisation although some countries are way ahead of others, there is the growing notion that domestic cooking and general meal preparation are losing their cultural relevance, and becoming needless for African wives and women.
In my culture, for instance, in the ethnic group in southern Nigeria, a woman does not only serve her husband a meal, but is also expected to gently rub his back as he eats, and kneel to offer him water when he is done.
That barely happens anymore, which prompts a “why?” In the neighbouring Ekpeye ethnic group, also in southern Nigeria, when a new bride is escorted to her new home, among the motley of things given to her such as a lantern, and a hen to symbolise fertility, a knife is added to show that she can use the tool to prepare food for her husband and family.
There is also the inferred opinion of a proper “wife material” who possesses the perfect qualities in addition to being beautiful. One of these “perfect qualities” is, without a doubt, knowing how to cook and how to manage a home. In many parts of Africa, a woman who cannot cook may be said to have “failed as a woman.” There is also the common expression that designates the route to a man’s heart as, primarily, his stomach. This purports women as “homely,” and anything else falls short.
TSASI
People are now realising that preference and choice take precedence over traditions and societal expectations. Some women like cooking and others do not. Some also consider it a labour of love to cook, which supersedes being obligated to. Perhaps the important question should be whether people, regardless of gender, should engage in more domestic activities including cooking. Cooking at home is still proven to be healthier and cheaper than eating out, and possibly more convenient for living within a budget.
Hilda
I have learned through my cooking experiences that I can become good and a better wive, and through the training I received through my mother and college, it has enabled me to become a better person who will never give up.
It has taken me on a journey through my life, from my humble beginnings in Nigeria to my record-breaking achievement in Lagos. It has explored my personality, my values, my passions, my struggles, my successes, my failures, my lessons, my dreams and my legacy.
TSASI :Thank you Hilda for your input.
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