In a remarkable feat of endurance and passion, Kaduna-based chef Oxman Francis has set a new Guinness World Record after completing a 50-hour marathon cooking lesson. The determined chef began his non-stop culinary marathon at 7:18 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2024, and successfully reached his goal at 9:18 p.m. on Saturday.
Throughout the event, which attracted widespread attention, numerous Kaduna residents, along with celebrities, culinary experts, and socialites, braved the rain to support the visibly exhausted but determined chef. The atmosphere was electric, with supporters cheering him on as he worked toward his record-breaking achievement.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, Oxman shared that his passion for cooking motivated him to apply for the Guinness World Record attempt. “I have been teaching about the 10 Commandments of food for the past four years and have trained over 800 students,” he said, reflecting on his culinary journey.
He explained that while applying for the record was a challenge, the drive to break barriers kept him going. “Applying for the longest cooking lesson in Kaduna for the Guinness World Record was challenging and also encouraging,” he said. “One must have the passion and the mindset to achieve it.”
Oxman also noted the logistical challenges of the event, particularly gathering participants from various parts of the country. “Bringing out people from different corners of the world and arranging meetings was challenging, but you must have funds to actualise them,” he added. However, he highlighted that the event was not just about breaking a record—it was an opportunity to share culinary knowledge, promote peace, and bring people together.
“People from different backgrounds were in attendance to cheer me up, irrespective of their tribe and religion,” Oxman said, proudly reflecting on how the event helped foster unity in the region. Despite the insecurity that has affected parts of Northern Nigeria, he expressed optimism for the future. “The North is breaking barriers, irrespective of the insecurity that has bedevilled the region. I can assure you that another part of the country to watch out for is the North.”
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The marathon cooking lesson was attended by students from Maiduguri, Sokoto, Katsina, Jos, Abuja, and Zaria, who spent 10 days together learning new culinary skills and sharing stories about their cultures. Oxman recalled how the event helped bring people closer, despite the physical and mental exhaustion that set in after hours of non-stop lessons. “Even though, after four to five hours of classes, some of the students were already becoming vulnerable, it was fulfilling to see the kitchen set up, the media crew, the cheering crowd, and the amazing atmosphere,” he said.
Looking ahead, Oxman plans to organize similar events in other states as part of his mission to promote peace and unity through cooking. He believes that culinary events can play a vital role in bringing people together, regardless of their backgrounds or differences.
The chef expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government for their support during the event. “Even though we were 70 per cent financially ready for the event, the support from the government representatives went a long way in helping me achieve this success,” Oxman said.
His record-breaking accomplishment has not only set a new standard in the culinary world but has also highlighted the potential for food and cooking to unite communities and break down barriers across the Northern region of Nigeria.