Popular chef and restaurateur, Hilda Baci, has become the first Nigerian to be recognised as a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon, earning global recognition for her influence on record-breaking culture and her role in inspiring thousands of Guinness World Records attempts across Nigeria.

Guinness World Records announced the honour on Thursday, describing Baci as a multiple record-holder whose achievements have extended beyond setting records to creating a lasting impact worldwide.

The GWR Icon title is reserved for individuals, groups and globally influential figures whose accomplishments transcend record-breaking and leave a significant mark on the international stage.

Baci holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest individual cooking marathon, which she achieved in May 2023. She also set two mass-cooking records in September 2025.

In a video released by Guinness World Records, the celebrity chef became emotional while speaking about her journey from attempting her first record to receiving the prestigious recognition.

“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.

Baci said she had confidence in her vision but never imagined the impact it would eventually 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 Record Icon. I am so grateful to God. This is for Nigeria, this is for all of us.”

Guinness World Records said record-breaking achievements often represent more than numbers, noting that they can showcase ambition, determination and belief in oneself.

The organisation highlighted Baci’s rise from assisting at her mother’s restaurant in Abuja during her primary school years to becoming one of the country’s most prominent culinary personalities.

Before establishing herself as a chef, she studied sociology and explored opportunities in television and acting. She later turned to professional cooking in 2020 and launched her restaurant business.

According to Guinness World Records, her cook-a-thon in Lagos from May 11 to 15, 2023, became a landmark moment that captured global attention. During the attempt, she cooked for 93 hours and 11 minutes, attracting large crowds and a worldwide online audience through livestreams.

Although the record has since changed hands twice, Guinness World Records said Baci’s accomplishment had already transformed interest in record-breaking within Nigeria. The organisation disclosed that more than 1,500 applications were submitted from Nigeria within two months of her attempt, demonstrating the influence of her achievement.

Offering advice to future record challengers, Baci emphasised the importance of thorough preparation.

“Preparation is everything. Passion alone is not enough,” she said, adding that challengers need physical training, mental conditioning, proper documentation, a strong support team and a clear understanding of Guinness World Records guidelines.

Baci added another achievement to her record-breaking journey in September 2025 when she collaborated with Gino Nigeria to produce the largest serving of rice in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The meal weighed 8,780 kilograms and was prepared with 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 164 kilograms of fresh goat meat and approximately 600 kilograms of her signature jollof pepper mix. More than 16,600 portions were later distributed.

Reflecting on the values that have shaped her career, Baci said, “Consistency beats talent. Systems beat hustle. And humility keeps you growing.” (Tribune)

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