The Guinness World Record (GWR) is a highly coveted achievement and for good reason. It is a representation of human achievements in a wide range of fields. From the physical to the mental to extremely bizarre activities. While the records may be different from each other, they all require an extraordinary amount of dedication, skill, and perseverance.

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in breaking Guinness World Records in Nigeria. Arguably so, Hilda Baci kickstarted this surge. In 2023, Hilda broke the record for the longest cooking hours. Ever since, several other Nigerians have attempted to break records in a variety of categories, from the longest body massage to the most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a ball on the head.

Here are 10 Nigerians who have attempted to break the Guinness World Record within the past year:

1. Hilda Baci

We can’t make this list without including the person who started it all. Hilda Baci, a chef, entrepreneur and influencer, made attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon in May 2023. While her target was 100 hours, she managed to cook for 93 hours and 11 minutes, surpassing the previous record held by an Indian man for cooking for 87 hours and 45 minutes. Although she didn’t quite meet her expectations, Hilda Baci still earned her title officially and was celebrated all around the world.

2. Chef Dammy

Chef Dammy, a 22-year-old undergraduate student of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, attempted to break the record for longest cooking hours. Inspired by Hilda Baci’s record, Chef Dammy set her eyes on 120 hours as her target time. Although no confirmation from GWR came, Chef Dammy was applauded by people and was promised a sum of gifted money ₦500,000 by Nigerian Doctor, Ayo Arojo.

3. Tunde Onakoya

Tunde Onakoya, a chess prodigy recently broke the world record for the longest chess marathon. The marathon lasted for 60 hours, exceeding the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes. The event was held at Times Square, New York City. Celebrities like Davido and Adekunle Gold showed up during this time to show support for Tunde’s impressive performance.

4. Lisha Dachor

19-year-old Lisha Dachor from Plateau State made attempts to paint the most fingernails in 72 hours. Lisha conducted this attempt in May 2024 and set her target to paint over 4000 nails. After she submitted her evidence, the Guinness World Record has not confirmed her attempt. Their strict rules state that for the record keepers to consider Lisha’s attempt, she had to paint sixty nails per hour.

5. Joyce Ijeoma

Joyce Ijeoma, a masseuse who embarked on an attempt to set a record for a 72-hour body massage, unfortunately, couldn’t complete it to the end. At the 50^th hour, Joyce collapsed and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention. The previous record holder, Alastair Galpin from Indonesia, still holds the record for the longest full-body massage in 25 hours and 4 minutes.

6. Clara Chizoba Kronborg

Nigerian entrepreneur Clara Chizoba Kronborg broke the Guinness World Record for the longest interview marathon. Clocking in at an impressive 55 hours and 24 seconds, she nearly doubled the previous record of 37 hours and 44 minutes set in 2022. Kronborg, who also hosts a YouTube talk show, interviewed a diverse group of 90 people from various professions, including politicians, business owners, and artists.

7. Chef Tope

While Hilda Baci was able to break the record for the longest cooking marathon, it was shortly broken by Irish chef Alan Fisher. Upon this development, Nigerian Chef Tope successfully cooked for 200 hours, bringing back the honour of this achievement to Nigeria. The evidence has been gathered and sent to the Guinness World Record team to give their final verdict.

8. Subair Enitan

Subair Enitan, an undergraduate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, completed her attempt at setting a world record. She made attempts to complete a 58-hour “wash-a-thon” which she achieved. Per her last public statement, she is awaiting the stamp of approval from the Guinness World Records.

9. Chef Adeola

The third chef on our list from the “Hilda Baci effect”, Chef Adeola from Ondo State embarked on a 150-hour cook-a-thon on June 30, 2023. The marathon ended on July 7^th with much social media buzz but GWR did not recognise her attempt.

10. Tonye Solomon

Last but not least, ending our list on a good note is Tonye Solomon. Born in Bayelsa, Tonye successfully set a world record for the most steps and climbed on a ladder while balancing a ball on the head. He finished with 150 steps. The Guinness World Records also commended him for proving people wrong and successfully achieving the dizzying feat. (The Guardian)

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