The Hilda effect: A call to Africans

By Leymah R. Gbowee

This past weekend many watched with bated breaths as a 27-year-old Nigerian chef Hilda Baci embarked on a journey to shatter the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent cooking. The previous record holder was Lata Tondo of India, 87 hours 45 mins in 2019. Hilda shattered the record, cooking for 100 hours.

While this is an admirable fete, I found the solidarity and support shown by her compatriots even more impressive. Political leaders, religious leaders, artists, and everyone in between showed up to cheer Hilda to victory. The rain could not stop them from standing outside the venue, cheering her on and praying for strength.

Say a prayer for Liberia

I also cheered Hilda on from my corner as I watched different videos and saw the Hilda effect in Lagos. I asked myself how we could harness this solidarity for all things African.

In the moment of Hilda’s endeavor, no one talked about tribe, status, and/or political affiliation. This is the very Nigeria that—according to pundits—recently ended a “questionable” election. However, on Hilda’s behalf, politics was thrown out the window, and the only thing that mattered at that moment was the Green and White—Hilda embodied the Nigerian Spirit in those 100 hours.

As proud as I am of a young woman who dared and achieved, I am even prouder of the Nigerians for showing Africa that it is possible to harmoniously band together even amid entrenched polarization. Thank you, Nigerians, for beautifully demonstrating fruitful patriotism.

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I pray that our continent, my nation, Liberia, can be inspired by the Hilda effect and UNITE under our shared goals and dreams.

Congratulations, Hilda! Congratulations, Nigeria—be inspired, Africa!

• Mrs. Leymah R. Gbowee is a Nobel Peace Prize Winner and writes for National Daily Newspaper