Hilda Baci Becomes First Nigerian GWR Icon
Popular Nigerian Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has been named a Guinness World Records Icon, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the global distinction for impact beyond record.
Guinness World Records announced the recognition yesterday, citing Baci’s role in inspiring a wave of record attempts across Nigeria after her 2023 cook-a-thon.
The GWR Icon title is reserved for individuals whose achievements “go beyond setting records to create lasting international influence.”
Baci is a triple Guinness World Records holder, as she set the record for the longest individual cooking marathon in May 2023, cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos.
In September 2025, she partnered with Gino Nigeria to create the largest serving of rice in Victoria Island – a jollof dish weighing 8,780 kilograms and distributed in more than 16,600 portions.
Reacting in a video shared by GWR, Baci became emotional and expressed that, “I don’t know what to say… we started a movement. I did this. I don’t want to cry. It feels really good to know that things like this can happen to people like me.”
Dedicating the honour to Nigeria, she said that, “I had so much faith in what I was doing, I never saw how far it could go… I definitely did not think there would come a time I would not have one but three… and now being named a Guinness World Record Icon. I am so grateful to God. This is for Nigeria, this is for all of us.”
GWR described her 2023 cook-a-thon as a “defining moment” that drew thousands of supporters and global livestream attention.
Though the record has since been broken twice, the organisation said it triggered a surge in interest for record attempts nationwide.
On advice for aspiring record breakers, Baci stressed preparation over passion, “You need physical training, mental conditioning, a strong support team, proper documentation, and absolute clarity on the guidelines. Study the rules carefully and respect the process.”
She added that it is crucial to, “Understand your ‘why’. When exhaustion hits and it will your reason has to be stronger than the discomfort.”
Baci, who studied sociology before launching My Food by Hilda in 2020, now plans to expand the brand to the UK, US, Dubai and South Africa as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian cuisine.
She said future record attempts must serve a broader purpose, “Records can be broken… but the ripple effect of belief is what truly lasts.”
Abdulbaqi Jibreel Ajao
