Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Guinness World Records on Thursday, June 18, 2026, named Nigerian chef and restaurateur Hilda Baci a GWR Icon, making her the first Nigerian to receive the prestigious distinction. The honour recognises the multiple record‑holder’s impact on global record‑breaking culture and her role in inspiring a wave of Guinness World Records attempts across Nigeria.
The GWR Icon title is a distinction reserved for individuals, groups, or globally significant figures whose achievements have gone beyond setting records to leave a lasting international impact. Guinness World Records described Baci as a multiple record‑holder whose accomplishments have extended beyond record‑setting to create a lasting impact worldwide.
In a video shared by Guinness World Records, the chef became emotional as she reflected on her journey from attempting her first record to being recognised as a GWR Icon. “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 added: “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 when I would have not one but three records… 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”.
Baci holds multiple Guinness World Records. Her first record was set in May 2023 when she cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes during a cook‑a‑thon in Lagos, drawing thousands of supporters and attracting global attention through livestreams. Although the record has since been broken twice, Guinness said her achievement had already left a lasting mark. Within two months of her attempt, the organisation received more than 1,500 new applications from Nigeria, highlighting the surge in interest in record‑breaking inspired by her feat.
In September 2025, Baci partnered with Gino Nigeria to create the largest serving of rice in Victoria Island, Lagos, weighing 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds) and prepared using 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 164 kilograms of fresh goat meat, and about 600 kilograms of her signature jollof pepper mix. The meal was shared in more than 16,600 portions. Guinness World Records confirmed that the feat counted as two separate records – the largest serving of Nigerian‑style jollof rice and the largest serving of rice overall – bringing her total number of records to three.
Explaining the recognition, Guinness World Records said record titles are often about more than breaking records, noting that such achievements can reflect a person’s self‑belief, ambition, and determination. The organisation traced Baci’s journey from helping at her mother’s restaurant in Abuja while still in primary school to becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognised culinary figures. After studying sociology, she explored careers in television and acting before becoming a professional chef in 2020 and launching her restaurant business.
When asked what advice she would give aspiring record‑breakers, Baci stressed the importance of 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. Reflecting on lessons from her career, she said, “Consistency beats talent. Systems beat hustle. And humility keeps you growing”.
Sharing a video on her Instagram page on Thursday, she said: “I feel very proud and honoured to bring this home. There was a time I thought my dream would never come true. Every time I doubted that this could be me, I would hold myself back. When I hear people talk about my achievements, I sometimes don’t listen because my mind can hardly believe it could be me. This recognition means so much, and I share it with everyone who has supported me along the way”.
Looking ahead, Baci said she hopes to expand My Food by Hilda across Nigeria and internationally, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Dubai, and other locations. Her record attempts have consistently been aimed at showcasing Nigerian food globally and encouraging young people to pursue their ambitions.
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