Nigerian chef and restaurateur Hilda Baci has added another remarkable achievement to her growing list of accomplishments after being named a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the prestigious recognition.
Guinness World Records announced the honour on Thursday, describing Baci as a record holder whose influence extends far beyond the titles she has won. According to the organisation, her achievements helped spark an unprecedented wave of record-breaking attempts in Nigeria and inspired many people around the world to pursue bold ambitions.
The GWR Icon title is reserved for individuals, groups and globally significant figures whose accomplishments have gone beyond setting records to make a lasting impact internationally.
For Baci, the recognition marked an emotional moment and an opportunity to reflect on a journey that began with a dream and eventually grew into a movement that captured the attention of millions.
In a video shared by Guinness World Records, the celebrity chef struggled to contain her emotions as she reacted to the news.
“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,” she said.
The chef admitted that while she believed deeply in her abilities and the purpose behind her efforts, she never imagined the enormous impact her actions would have.
“I had so much faith in what I was doing. I never saw how far it could go. I never saw how much impact it would make. I definitely did not think there would come a time I would not have one but three… and now being named a Guinness World Records Icon. I am so grateful to God. This is for Nigeria, this is for all of us,” she added.
Baci’s rise to global prominence began in May 2023, when she embarked on a cook-a-thon in Lagos in a bid to break the record for the longest individual cooking marathon.
From May 11 to May 15, she cooked continuously for an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes, attracting widespread support from Nigerians at home and abroad.
Thousands of people trooped to the venue to cheer her on, while millions followed the event through livestreams and social media updates.
The cook-a-thon quickly became a national sensation.
Celebrities, politicians, business leaders and ordinary Nigerians rallied behind her, turning the event into more than just a personal challenge. It became a moment of national pride, with many celebrating her determination and resilience.
Although the cooking marathon record has since been broken twice by other challengers, Guinness World Records said Baci’s influence had already changed the global record-breaking landscape.
According to the organisation, within just two months of her cook-a-thon, it received more than 1,500 new applications from Nigeria from individuals hoping to attempt various records.
The surge demonstrated how one person’s achievement could inspire thousands of others to dream bigger and test the limits of what they believed was possible.
Guinness World Records noted that record titles often represent much more than extraordinary feats.
It said they reflect qualities such as self-belief, determination, ambition and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits.
Tracing Baci’s journey, the organisation recalled that her passion for cooking began at an early age.
As a child growing up in Abuja, she assisted at her mother’s restaurant while still in primary school, gaining practical experience that would later shape her future career.
After studying sociology at university, Baci explored opportunities in television and acting before eventually embracing cooking professionally in 2020.
She later established her restaurant business, My Food by Hilda, which has grown into a recognised culinary brand.
Baci’s relationship with Guinness World Records did not end with the cook-a-thon.
In September 2025, she returned to the record books when she partnered with Gino Nigeria to set two additional records through a large-scale cooking project in Lagos.
The event, held in Victoria Island, saw the preparation of the largest serving of rice ever recorded.
The massive dish weighed an incredible 8,780 kilograms.
It was prepared using 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 164 kilograms of fresh goat meat and approximately 600 kilograms of Baci’s signature jollof pepper mix.
More than 16,600 portions of the meal were later shared with members of the public.
Despite her success, Baci said passion alone is not enough for anyone hoping to become a record holder.
Offering advice to aspiring challengers, she emphasised the importance of planning and preparation.
“Preparation is everything. Passion alone is not enough,” she said.
According to her, successful record attempts require physical readiness, mental strength, proper documentation, a dependable support team and a thorough understanding of Guinness World Records guidelines.
Reflecting on the lessons she has learnt throughout her journey, Baci highlighted the importance of discipline and humility.
“Consistency beats talent. Systems beat hustle. And humility keeps you growing,” she said.
Looking to the future, the chef revealed plans to expand her restaurant business beyond Nigeria.
She said she hopes to establish My Food by Hilda in several international locations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Dubai and South Africa.
Beyond business expansion, she expressed a desire to continue promoting Nigerian cuisine on the global stage and serving as a cultural ambassador for the country.
Baci also indicated that any future attempt at breaking another record would need to have a deeper purpose beyond simply testing endurance.
“If my journey gave someone else the courage to attempt something bold, then that means more to me than the title itself,” she said.
“Records can be broken—that’s their nature. But inspiration, the ripple effect of belief, is what truly lasts.”
Her recognition as a Guinness World Records Icon represents more than personal achievement. It celebrates the influence of a Nigerian whose determination inspired a nation and encouraged thousands of people to believe that extraordinary accomplishments are possible.
As the first Nigerian to receive the honour, Hilda Baci has not only secured her place in Guinness World Records history but has also become a symbol of ambition, resilience and the power of inspiration.