Nigerian chef and restaurateur Hilda Effiong Baci has celebrated her latest Guinness World Record recognition, marking the third time she has received an official plaque from the global body.

In a video shared on her verified Instagram account, Baci unboxed the plaque confirming her record for the largest serving of rice, measured at 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 pounds, 9 ounces). The attempt took place on September 12, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“I can’t believe I got the opportunity and privilege to do this for the third time, but yes, our third plaque is here,” she said while opening the package. “I am so happy. So there are two of these. There is one for me, and there is one for Gino. I will be presenting that to them today.”

After presenting the plaque, she introduced herself in the video, saying: “My name is Chef Hilda Effiong Baci. I am a 30-year-old graduate of sociology from Akwa Ibom State, and I am a three-time world record holder.”

She captioned the post with a message, reflecting about the journey behind the achievement.

“Third time. Not because I planned it. Not because I felt ready. But because God allowed it,” she wrote. “Unboxing this record pack felt like reliving the moment all over again. The nerves. The faith. The sacrifice. The prayers. The belief that something bigger than me was happening.”

“I don’t take this lightly. I don’t get used to it. I’m just deeply grateful. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me from the very first ‘let’s try’ to this third ‘officially amazing.’ Three times. Still humbled. Still hungry. Still thankful.”

Baci first gained global attention in May 2023 when she completed a marathon cooking session that lasted 100 hours in Lagos. The feat broke the previous record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), which had stood at 87 hours and 45 minutes.

The cooking marathon, which began on May 11 and ended on May 15, 2023, was officially recognised by Guinness World Records after a period of review. The achievement positioned her as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary figures.

Since then, Baci has continued to undertake record-breaking culinary projects. Her latest record for the largest serving of rice adds to her growing list of international recognitions. The 8,780kg rice dish was prepared as part of a large-scale event aimed at showcasing Nigerian food culture and capacity for mass catering.

Her collaboration with Gino, a food brand, formed part of the project. According to her, two plaques were issued for the record, one for her and another for the brand involved in the attempt. (Guardian)

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