Hilda Baci Receives Guinness World Records Icon Honour

June 19 () — Celebrity chef and restaurateur, Hilda Baci, has been named a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the honour.

Guinness World Records announced the recognition on Thursday, June 18, saying Baci’s achievements have inspired a growing record-breaking movement, especially in Nigeria.

Baci first gained global attention in 2023 when she set the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos. The attempt attracted large crowds and strong online attention.

In September 2025, she set another record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing 8,780 kilograms. In January 2026, Guinness World Records confirmed it as the largest rice serving overall, giving her a third official record.

GWR said her cook-a-thon led to a surge in record attempts in Nigeria, with more than 1,500 new applications submitted within two months.

Reacting to the honour, Baci said she initially found it hard to share the news, as she was worried about being defined by one moment. She said she delayed posting while processing the recognition.

She said the award reflects her journey, sacrifices, growth, and the people who supported her. She added, “Gratitude has a way of overcoming fear.”

Baci said the Icon title is not a new record, but a special recognition for people whose impact goes beyond their achievements.

She thanked her family, team, partners, and supporters, saying, “This recognition means a lot to me, not just because of the title, but because of everything it represents.”

Baci started her culinary career in her mother’s restaurant in Abuja before becoming a professional chef and launching her brand, My Food by Hilda.

She is now one of Nigeria’s most recognised chefs and continues to promote Nigerian food globally.