Buhari applauds Hilda Baci for placing Nigeria on global spotlight

President Muhammadu Buhari says he shares the joy of celebrations as 27-year-old gourmet chef Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci, makes history by breaking the world record for longest hours of cooking.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, on Monday in Abuja, the President notedthe antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021.

He lauded her for preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana over which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof rice.

According to him, Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food as another cultural icon with huge tourism benefits, and he hopes more young people will follow in her footsteps.

The President thanked the sponsors of the Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industries, and fans of the chef for all the support that had brought glory to the country.

Buhari wished Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career.