Hilda Bassey, widely known as Hilda Baci, became a household name in 2023 when she broke the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Nigerians rallied behind her, celebrating the achievement with pride. Recently, she attempted another Guinness record involving cooking and sharing food, but this time, not everyone is clapping. One critic, known as Gehgeh, called out the event, saying it only exposed Nigeria’s hunger and poverty.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This clash has raised big questions: Are Guinness records worth celebrating, or are they distractions from real issues facing Nigerians?
Why did Gehgeh criticize Hilda Bassey?
Gehgeh’s words were blunt. According to him, Nigerians queuing and crying for free jollof rice shows the world how desperate the country has become. He believes that Hilda’s attempt, much like reality shows such as Big Brother Naija, adds no real value to the nation apart from hype.
He also argued that cooking large quantities of rice is not an achievement that solves hunger. His main point: Nigeria needs real solutions, not records that only trend for a short time.
What exactly was Hilda Bassey’s Guinness record attempt?
Hilda aimed to set another Guinness World Record involving cooking and feeding a massive number of people. Videos showed long lines of Nigerians waiting to get food, which drew mixed reactions. Some praised her effort to share meals, while others felt the event highlighted how much hunger has gripped the country.
Does breaking Guinness records benefit Nigeria?
This is where the debate gets heated. On one side, supporters say Guinness records put Nigeria on the map, create international attention, and boost tourism and brand opportunities. On the other side, critics argue that such events do not tackle the real issues—poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.
So the benefit depends on how you look at it. While there may be short-term excitement and recognition, the long-term value for ordinary Nigerians is harder to see.
Why are Nigerians so divided on Hilda Bassey’s achievements?
Nigerians love celebrating success stories, especially when they involve breaking global records. Hilda Bassey gave many people hope and pride when she first broke the cooking marathon record. But with her second attempt, critics like Gehgeh feel the hype is becoming repetitive and less impactful.
This division reflects a bigger issue: Nigerians are hungry for real change. Many are tired of celebrations that don’t translate into better living conditions.
Could Nigeria focus on other kinds of records or achievements?
Gehgeh made a sarcastic point, saying that if we keep supporting any Guinness record attempt, one day someone might come out claiming they want to set a record for,
“the biggest BBL in in the world not in Nigeria because una they normally find way to escape poverty .”
His statement reflects a frustration that the country might be celebrating the wrong things while ignoring real innovation, science, or solutions to social problems.
