Nigerian chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci has added another prestigious honour to her growing list of achievements after being named a Guinness World Records (GWR) ICON, cementing her place among some of the most influential record-breakers in the world.
For millions of people across Africa and beyond, Hilda’s journey represents far more than records and recognition. It is the story of persistence, reinvention and an unwavering belief in her craft.
Long before she became a household name, Hilda was a young girl helping her mother run a restaurant in Abuja. While many children her age were focused on schoolwork and play, she was already learning the rhythms of the food business.
Looking back, she recalls standing out for her confidence and sharp memory.
“I always got so many tips because I used to memorize the whole menu and I was very sharp-mouthed!” she said.
Although her path would later take several unexpected turns, food remained a constant presence. After studying sociology, she ventured into television, hosting the Nigerian cooking programme Dine on a Budget, while also exploring opportunities in acting.
Yet it was the kitchen that ultimately won her over.
In 2020, she fully embraced life as a professional chef and launched her culinary brand, sharing recipes, cooking tips and lifestyle content online. Her engaging personality and relatable approach quickly attracted a massive audience, transforming her into one of Africa’s most recognised food creators.
Asked about the lessons she has learned throughout her journey, Hilda offered advice that has become central to her success.
“Consistency beats talent. Systems beat hustle. And humility keeps you growing,” she said.
Her global breakthrough came in May 2023 when she embarked on an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
For nearly four days, Hilda remained at her cooking station in Lagos, preparing meals while thousands gathered to support her. Millions more followed online as she pushed through exhaustion and sleep deprivation.
She eventually completed an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes of continuous cooking, setting a new benchmark at the time and capturing international attention.
The challenge sparked unprecedented interest, with supporters flooding social media and overwhelming Guinness World Records’ website as they searched for updates on her progress.
Although the record has since changed hands, Hilda’s achievement remains one of the most celebrated moments in contemporary African culinary history.
She would later return to the record books in even grander fashion.
In September 2025, Hilda partnered with Gino Nigeria to prepare the world’s largest serving of rice in Lagos. The enormous dish weighed 8,780 kilograms and required thousands of kilograms of ingredients, including basmati rice, fresh goat meat and her signature jollof pepper mix.
The scale of the operation was so massive that the specially designed cooking pot reportedly buckled under the weight of the food, twice.
But beyond setting a new world record, the event carried a deeper purpose. More than 16,000 portions of the meal were distributed afterwards, ensuring the achievement benefited the wider community.
Reflecting on the feat, Hilda described it as “nine hours of fire, passion and teamwork.”
The record also held special significance because the dish at its centre was jollof rice, one of West Africa’s most beloved foods.
Despite her growing international profile, Hilda remains deeply connected to her roots. Alongside her love for rice dishes, she often speaks fondly of Afang soup, a traditional delicacy from her home state of Akwa Ibom.
For Hilda Baci, the Guinness World Records ICON title is not simply recognition for breaking records. It is acknowledgement of a journey that began in a small family restaurant and evolved into a movement that has inspired countless young Africans to pursue their passions with confidence and determination.
