Hilda Baci has achieved another major milestone. The celebrity chef is now the first Nigerian to be named a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon. Guinness World Records announced the honour on Thursday.
According to the organisation, the title is reserved for people whose influence goes beyond breaking records. As a result, Baci joins a select group of global figures celebrated for making a lasting impact. The recognition comes after years of inspiring people to dream bigger and aim higher.
Her journey became a national talking point in May 2023. At the time, she completed a cooking marathon that lasted 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos. The event attracted huge crowds and millions of online viewers. Although the record has since been broken, its impact remains strong. Within two months of her attempt, over 1,500 Nigerians applied to challenge Guinness World Records, proving how much she inspired a new generation.
Speaking after receiving the honour, an emotional Baci said she never imagined her dream would grow this far. She thanked God and dedicated the recognition to Nigeria.
“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.”
Beyond her famous cook-a-thon, she also set two mass-cooking records in 2025. One of them involved preparing the largest serving of rice in Lagos, with more than 16,600 portions shared with people.
Looking back on her success, Baci shared a simple message. She said preparation matters more than passion alone. She also stressed the importance of consistency, strong systems, and humility. Today, her story stands as proof that one bold idea can inspire an entire nation.
