By Florencemary Nwabueze
Nigerian culinary superstar Hilda Baci has officially been named a Guinness World Records ICON — the global authority's highest individual accolade — in a landmark announcement that has sent waves of pride across Nigeria and the African continent.
The Guineas World Record broke the news on thursday cementing the 30-year-old chef's status as one of the most influential figures in modern culinary history.
The global authority noted that Baci's meteoric rise began in her mother's restaurant in Abuja, where she worked as a primary school student memorising entire menus and charming customers with her sharp wit.
"I always got so many tips because I used to memorize the whole menu and I was very sharp-mouthed!" Baci has previously told GWR.
After studying sociology, Baci dabbled in television hosting and acting before answering the undeniable call of the kitchen. She turned professional in 2020, launching Hilda's Kitchen — now "My Food by Hilda" — and building a social media empire that boasts millions of devoted followers.
When Guinness World Records asked the chef about her most important career lessons, she delivered three powerful mantras that have since become viral wisdom and has now ringing louder than ever as she joins an elite group of GWR ICON awardees.
"Consistency beats talent. Systems beat hustle. And humility keeps you growing."
The statement revealed that Baci first captured global attention in May 2023, when she endured an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes of non-stop cooking in Lekki, Lagos. Thousands gathered in person while millions more tuned in online — so many, in fact, that they crashed the Guinness World Records website from overwhelming traffic.
Though her record has since been broken twice — the current title held by Liberian-Australian chef Evette Quoibia at 140 hours 11 minutes — Baci's historic run remains legendary.
GWR further noted that Baci partnered with Gino Nigeria in September, to create the largest serving of rice ever recorded — a jaw-dropping 8,780 kg (19,356 lb) of jollof rice in Victoria Island, Lagos, which the dish required: · 4,000 kg of basmati rice · 164 kg of fresh goat meat · 600 kg of her signature jollof pepper mix.
GWS noted that the colossal custom steel pot buckled twice under the weight — but ultimately, more than 16,600 portions were shared with the public.
"Nine hours of fire, passion and teamwork," Baci said of the feat.
For the Akwa Ibom State native, jollof rice is more than a dish — it's identity.
"I love rice," she told Guinness. "Truly. I could eat rice dishes every single day for a year and not get tired of it... Being from Akwa Ibom, I also deeply love Afang soup with fufu. It's one of those dishes I love both cooking and eating. It tastes like home." Baci told GWR