Guinness World Records has honoured Nigerian chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci as a Guinness World Records ICON in recognition of the significant influence of her record-breaking feats.
Hilda Baci whose career rose to international prominence in 2023 with a 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon, the longest at the time, did not only secure her a world record but also sparked widespread interest in record-breaking across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Guinness World Records highlighted her achievements as part of its ICONS series, which honours record holders whose accomplishments extend far beyond their titles to create lasting cultural impact.
In her reaction to the honour, Baci described the recognition as a profound affirmation of resilience, passion, discipline, and bold ambition.
She expressed deep humility at how her personal challenge evolved into a source of inspiration for millions worldwide.
“We started a movement,” she said, dedicating the honour to Nigeria and noting it was beyond anything she had imagined when she first attempted the record.
Hilda now holds three Guinness World Records.
In September 2025, she set new marks for the largest serving of jollof rice and the overall largest serving of rice an 8,780-kilogram dish prepared in partnership with Gino Nigeria in Lagos and shared among more than 16,600 portions.
She emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, stating that passion alone is insufficient without physical and mental conditioning, proper documentation, and a reliable support system.
She also shared key career lessons: consistency surpasses talent, systems outperform mere hustle, and humility drives continued growth.
Looking ahead, the entrepreneur plans to expand her My Food by Hilda brand across Nigeria and into international markets including the United Kingdom, United States, Dubai, and South Africa, while continuing to promote Nigerian cuisine globally.
