Hilda Baci, the Guinness World Record holder, says she is joyful about how her remarkable achievement has ignited a wave of inspiration among young Nigerians, spurring them to launch businesses and aim for their own extraordinary accomplishments.
During an interaction with Newsmen in Lagos, Baci skillfully displayed her culinary abilities as part of a charity campaign aimed at raising one million Naira to empower a widow to foster her self-reliance.
In her conversation with NAN, she revealed that her deep affection for widows motivated her to back the initiative, coordinated by The Duke of Somolu Productions, a theater production company.
‘There is still so much to be done when it comes to supporting widows. There is need to get them employed; give them words of encouragement; create empowerment and also teach them on how to grow their businesses.’
‘However, it does not necessarily have to be cash all the time, but there is so much to be done for the widows.’
‘They need to be shown love and kindness. We also need to show them that it’s possible for them to move beyond their present state.’
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‘They still have to move forward because the tragedy of losing one’s love can lead to a space of depression, so much that one forgets what one is capable of doing.’
‘If they are getting constant encouragement and there are reminder that they still have so much to look forward to, the sky will be their limit,’ she said.
In response to other young Nigerians striving to emulate her and surpass her record, Baci commented on how this development has positively influenced and motivated many individuals, particularly the youth.
Baci said, ‘I think it’s a good sign because this is more of positive development, for me, it is not negative. I honestly think it is because my effort is successful and well done, that is why these are coming up.’
‘That is why a lot of people are now trying to push through their limits and push through their boundaries to break records in several fields.’
‘I know what is published on the social media is that a lot of people are trying to break record, but the truth is that other people are now being inspired to start businesses and break records. It is a good indication that I did something good.’
She affirmed that she maintains no negative feelings towards those striving to beat her records, displaying her sportsmanship and fair-mindedness.
Moreover, she underlined the official requirement that any new record holder can only be officially announced after a year has passed since their accomplishment.
According to NAN, the Guinness Book of Records undergoes annual updates to include new records and achievements.
‘Now, that everyone is trying to beat me, I don’t mind, I have already broken the records and they should try and break the records too.’
‘I set out to achieve something, I have achieved that and now it is time for other people to try. I don’t have any ill feelings, neither am I bothered. So, it’s time for others to try,’ she added.
The Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Somolu Productions, Mr. Joseph Edgar, shared that the initiative, in operation for the past three years, has generated a remarkable sum of over N10 million, all dedicated to assisting deserving widows.
The reason behind Edgar’s decision to enlist Baci’s support in raising more funds for the initiative was primarily due to her strong reputation for goodwill, her unblemished image, and her deep compassion for widows.
According to him, the initiative had already accumulated 10 million Naira before this year’s campaign, with 5 million Naira coming from the foundation and the rest from the kind donations of the general public.
He elaborated that from the time of his birthday celebration this year, the foundation had additionally raised N4 million, specifically aimed at supporting several widows.