Nigerian chef and restaurateur Hilda Baci has been named a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the prestigious recognition for her influence beyond record-setting.
Guinness World Records announced the honour on Thursday, describing it as a special category reserved for individuals whose achievements have inspired global participation and cultural impact beyond breaking records alone.
Baci, who is already a multiple record holder, earned global attention in 2023 after completing a 93-hour cooking marathon in Lagos. She has since gone on to set additional food-related records, including large-scale cooking feats that further expanded her profile as one of Nigeria’s most recognised culinary figures.
In reaction to the recognition, Baci expressed deep emotion while reflecting on her journey from a local chef to an internationally celebrated record holder.
“I don’t even know what to say. We started a movement,” she said, adding that she never imagined her efforts would reach such global recognition.
She also noted that her journey was driven by belief and determination rather than expectations of fame. “I had strong faith in what I was doing, but I didn’t foresee how far it would go or the level of impact it would create,” she said.
Guinness World Records explained that Baci’s story reflects persistence and inspiration, noting that her cook-a-thon alone triggered a surge of interest in record attempts in Nigeria, with over a thousand applications reportedly submitted within months of her feat.
Baci, who began her culinary journey in her mother’s restaurant in Abuja, later transitioned into media before fully embracing professional cooking in 2020.
Her career trajectory has since positioned her as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian cuisine.
She also advised aspiring record breakers to prioritise preparation over enthusiasm alone.
“Passion is not enough; preparation is everything,” she said, stressing the importance of training, documentation, and proper planning.
Looking ahead, Baci said she intends to expand her food brand internationally while continuing to use her platform to inspire others. She added that her future attempts, if any, would focus on broader social impact rather than endurance alone.
The GWR Icon recognition highlights her growing influence as not only a record holder but also a figure whose achievements have inspired a new wave of ambition among young Nigerians.
