Breaking: Hilda Baci Becomes First Nigerian Named Guinness World Records Icon
Hilda Baci has officially been named a Guinness World Records Icon, marking a major global milestone and making her the first Nigerian to ever receive the prestigious honour. The recognition comes as a result of her groundbreaking achievements in the culinary world, including multiple record-setting performances that have drawn international attention and inspired a new wave of record attempts across Nigeria and beyond.
The announcement was made by Guinness World Records, an organisation globally recognised for certifying extraordinary human achievements, noting that Hilda’s impact extends far beyond breaking records. According to the body, her accomplishments have helped spark significant cultural and creative engagement, particularly in Nigeria, where her initial cook-a-thon challenge reportedly inspired more than 1,500 new record applications within a short period.
Here is how her historic journey broke down on the path to becoming an official global Icon:
January 2026: The Guinness World Records team officially confirmed that her spectacular September cookout simultaneously broke the record for the largest serving of rice overall, making her a formal triple record holder.
Hilda Baci, who rose to global fame through her record-breaking cooking marathon, shared a celebratory video compilation following the announcement. The video captured key moments from her journey, including her first cook-a-thon attempt, her large-scale cooking projects, and emotional reactions to receiving official recognition from the Guinness World Records team. The footage highlights not only her achievements but also the persistence and public support that have defined her rise.
May 2023: She gripped the global community by cooking continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos, setting a new benchmark for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
September 2025: She led a team to prepare a record-breaking serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice, a massive dish weighing 8,780 kilograms that fed over 16,600 people in Victoria Island.
In her reflection on the award, Hilda spoke openly about the emotional and psychological challenges behind her success. She revealed that she had struggled with imposter syndrome despite her accomplishments, admitting that it was often difficult for her to fully accept the scale of what she had achieved. At times, she said, she would mentally refer to herself in the third person as a way of processing the reality of her growing global recognition. Despite this, she emphasised that perseverance and belief played a key role in her journey.
She also dedicated the Guinness World Records Icon honour to the many people who supported her throughout her journey. This includes her culinary team, media professionals, public relations experts, cinematographers, and the large community of Nigerians and Africans who rallied behind her during her record attempts. According to her, the achievement is not hers alone but a collective victory that reflects the strength of shared effort and national pride.
Guinness World Records highlighted her extraordinary timeline of achievements, which includes several landmark moments. In May 2023, Hilda gained global attention after completing a 93-hour and 11-minute cooking marathon in Lagos, setting a new world record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. The event became a viral sensation and positioned her as one of the most talked-about chefs in the world.
Her journey continued with another major feat in September 2025, when she led a large-scale cooking project involving the preparation of a massive serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice weighing approximately 8,780 kilograms. The meal reportedly fed more than 16,600 people in Victoria Island, Lagos, and further cemented her reputation as a pioneer in large-scale culinary events.
In January 2026, Guinness World Records officially confirmed that her September cookout also set the record for the largest serving of rice overall, making her a certified triple world record holder. This achievement placed her among a select group of individuals whose records span multiple categories and years.
The organisation further stated that Hilda Baci’s influence goes beyond numbers, describing her as a cultural figure whose work has reshaped perceptions of African cuisine on the global stage. Her recognition as a Guinness World Records Icon represents not only personal success but also a broader acknowledgment of her role in inspiring innovation, ambition, and cultural pride.
As celebrations continue, Hilda’s story stands as a testament to how determination, creativity, and public support can combine to create global impact, placing Nigeria firmly in the international spotlight of culinary excellence.
