The expression “Can anything good come out of Benue” is derived from the popular statement “Can anything good come out of Nazareth”. I plead to use these words because whenever a Benue son or daughter, particularly of the Tiv race, is mentioned, nothing positive is said about them, therefore my statement “Can anything good come out of Benue.” Follow me through this lengthy read and see for yourself.
Victor Tartinger Avalumun is a Benue-born chef known as Chef Naira Victor, and he owns “Naira Victor Kitchen”. He was born on February 28, 1994 in Buruku, Benue State, and is now 30 years old.
Victor aimed to shatter the record by cooking for 135 hours, spending an extra 14 hours to establish a new world record.
In line with his dreams of feeding the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and making his state proud, Chef Naira Victor commenced a 135-hour cook-a-thon attempt for the longest cooking marathon by an individual on February 27th at 12:00 AM and lasted until Sunday, March 3rd, 2024. Chef Victor celebrated his birthday in the kitchen.
During the record-breaking attempt, which several other Nigerians have also previously explored, chef Naira Victor was able to pull out a large crowd daily to Tiger Bar in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue, where the cook-a-thon reportedly took place. The six-day event witnessed various Benue-born celebrities, government officials, and local brands show their support for the young chef both financially and by their physical presence, depending on which was more convenient for each fan to support.
The food he cooked was shared freely with attendees; he didn’t sell any of it, as over 70% of the food prepared was donated to the internally displaced persons. Chef Victor was tasked with cooking different meals simultaneously, aiming for over 230 meals with almost 9,000 portions or more.
Supporters cheered Chef Victor on to boost his morale during moments of exhaustion, remaining present around the clock.
Sponsors provided most of the required items, including food, ingredients, and utensils, reducing the financial burden on the Naira Victor Kitchen Food brand.
Some notable personalities who were at Tiger Bar to witness the event were the Benue State Governor, His Excellency, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, who, during his visit, was accompanied by speakers of three other different state houses of assembly. Also at the venue of the most recent cook-a-thon was Mr. Terver Akase, a former chief press secretary to the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom.
Thirty-year-old chef Naira Victor, who is also the owner of Naira Victor restaurant in Delta State, where he resides, also received monetary donations of 1.5 million Naira from Benue-born reality TV star Kidd Waya, 100 thousand Naira from Benue-born international MC cum hypeman Big Smart Oche, as well as a 100×100 plot of land from the Chairman and CEO, IKN Habitat Nigeria Limited, Evangelist Brahms Tor-Ikuan, which is to be processed by a popular Roman Catholic priest in the state, Reverend Father Ukeyima John.
Upon completion of the cook-a-ton, he was welcomed by the state governor at the government house, who appreciated him for his diligence and determination. The governor advised him to keep doing the best that he can and remain focused because, until he stops, nothing can stop him from achieving his dreams, and this milestone is a steppingstone for more success to come.
Chef Naira Victor didn’t stop at that but organized a two-day cooking marathon within the IDP camp to celebrate Easter with them, and they were so elated, as was he, as it was a great celebration.
The chef has currently opened a branch of his kitchen in the heart of Benue, “Naira Victor Kitchen,” and makes delicious local and international dishes.
If he can do it, you can do more and better. It takes only belief in oneself and strong determination. Selah!
