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This summer, Kamloops chef and entrepreneur is turning up the heat with an ambitious goal: to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Starting July 29, Oladipo will cook non-stop for 300 hours — that’s 12.5 days straight — more than doubling the current record of just over 140 hours.
Oladipo is no stranger to the kitchen. As the founder of Afrofusion, a downtown Kamloops restaurant known for blending diverse flavors with a Nigerian touch, she’s combining her passion for food with a powerful message of resilience and community support.
Her plan? To prepare dishes from all 195 countries around the world, sharing each meal with the local community. All food made during the marathon will be available by donation, with proceeds supporting at least 10 families facing food insecurity — five in Kamloops and five back in her native Nigeria.
“This isn’t just about breaking a record. I want to shatter it in a way that makes a real impact,” Oladipo said.
A single mother who moved to Canada 10 years ago thanks to the generosity of a relative, Oladipo’s journey is one of determination and giving back. Raised in Nigeria, she dreamed of studying nursing but lacked the means — until a generous relative stepped in to sponsor her education and move to Canada. During her studies, she discovered a love for cooking, which eventually led to opening Afrofusion.
“I want to do the same for others that were once like me — families struggling and in need,” she said.
The cooking marathon will challenge Oladipo’s endurance, allowing just five minutes every hour for breaks — including sleep, meals, and bathroom time. She’s reached out to Guinness World Records to have an official present for verification.
The public is invited to visit Afrofusion throughout the record attempt, try international dishes, and even suggest family recipes to be included. Oladipo hopes her feat inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
“When one of us rises, we all rise,” she said.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help.
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