Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has added another trailblazing accolade to her name, officially being recognised as a Guinness World Records ICON.
The honour makes her the first Nigerian and one of a select few global figures to receive the prestigious distinction.
Guinness World Records reserves the GWR ICON title for individuals whose achievements transcend personal milestones, leaving a lasting international impact and transforming record-breaking culture within their region or field.
Baci’s journey fits that description perfectly. She first captured the world’s attention in May 2023 when she broke the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, cooking continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes. The attempt went viral, igniting a surge of record-breaking applications across Africa.
She extended her legacy in September 2025 by securing two additional records simultaneously — the largest serving of rice and the largest serving of jollof rice — with a staggering 8,780-kilogram pot of the beloved West African dish.
Her induction as a GWR ICON recognises the cultural ripple effect of her achievements. Following her 2023 cook-a-thon, Guinness World Records received thousands of applications from hopeful record-breakers across Nigeria and West Africa. Her story will be prominently featured in the upcoming Guinness World Records 2027 book.
In an emotional video shared online, Chef Hilda expressed deep gratitude, calling the recognition a win not just for herself but for Nigeria and the power of bold dreaming.
