Nigerian chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur, Hilda Baci, has been officially recognised as a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the prestigious global honour.
Guinness World Records announced the recognition in celebration of Baci’s remarkable achievements and the lasting impact she has made beyond record-breaking feats.
The GWR Icon title is reserved for exceptional individuals whose accomplishments transcend records to influence culture, inspire communities and leave a significant mark on the world.
Baci rose to international prominence in May 2023 when she completed a 93-hour-11-minute cooking marathon in Lagos. The feat attracted widespread attention across Nigeria and beyond, with thousands of supporters following her progress both physically and online.
According to Guinness World Records, the challenge sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for record-breaking, leading to more than 1,500 applications from Nigeria within two months of her attempt.
Reflecting on the experience, Baci advised aspiring record breakers to prioritise preparation over passion alone.
“Preparation is everything. Passion alone is not enough. You need physical training, mental conditioning, a strong support team, proper documentation, and absolute clarity on the guidelines,” she said.
“Understand your ‘why’. When exhaustion hits – and it will – your reason has to be stronger than the discomfort.”
Beyond endurance cooking, Baci has continued to expand her record-breaking portfolio. In September 2025, she partnered with Gino Nigeria to prepare an 8,780-kilogram serving of jollof rice in Lagos, setting both the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice and the largest serving of rice ever recorded globally.
The record-breaking meal was later distributed to more than 16,600 people.
Guinness World Records noted that Baci’s achievements have helped promote Nigerian cuisine on the global stage while inspiring young people, particularly women, to pursue ambitious goals.
Speaking on the values that have shaped her career, Baci said, “Consistency beats talent. Systems beat hustle. And humility keeps you growing.”
The chef began her culinary journey as a child, assisting at her mother’s restaurant before transitioning to professional cooking in 2020. She later founded Hilda’s Kitchen, now known as My Food by Hilda, and built a large online following through her food content and culinary expertise.
Looking ahead, Baci said she hopes to expand her food brand across Nigeria and internationally, including into the United Kingdom, the United States, Dubai and South Africa.
While leaving the door open for future record attempts, she stressed that any new challenge must serve a greater purpose.
“For me, records are not just about endurance – they are about meaning. If I ever attempt another record, it would need to align with a larger purpose: impact, innovation, or cultural representation,” she said.
Baci also expressed gratitude for the inspiration her journey has provided to others.
“If my journey gave someone else the courage to attempt something bold, then that means more to me than the title itself. Records can be broken, that’s their nature. But inspiration, the ripple effect of belief, is what truly lasts.”
As part of the recognition, Baci will be featured in a special multi-page spread in the Guinness World Records 2027 edition, placing her among some of the world’s most influential record holders.
