In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to nurturing talent, the Hilda Baci Academy recently held a landmark event to honour the individuals driving Nigeria's culinary ecosystem forward. The celebration, which took place as 2025 drew to a close, served as a testament to founder Hilda Baci's long-term vision for Africa's food industry.
A Celebration of Community and Culinary Excellence
The gathering was designed as a community-driven experience, uniting graduates from different cohorts of the academy in one shared space. It brought together past and present students both physically and virtually, alongside the core MyFoodByHilda team. This event marked a significant milestone in the academy's journey, highlighting its expansive reach and reinforcing Hilda Baci's growing influence as a leading culinary educator and industry thinker.
Reflections on growth, discipline, and excellence—values now synonymous with the Hilda Baci brand—took centre stage. The two-time Guinness World Record-breaking chef, who has consistently reshaped Nigeria's culinary landscape, emphasised that the mission extends far beyond cooking. "This isn’t just about cooking or records," Baci stated. "It is about building people, creating access, and showing that excellence can be taught, supported, and rewarded."
Substantial Rewards for Outstanding Performance
The academy's philosophy of rewarding excellence was put into dramatic action with strong support from global brand partners. Students and staff received a range of gifts for their commitment and performance, including:
- Household appliances
- Professional kitchen equipment
- Year-long supplies of products
The evening featured two particularly life-changing moments. First, the longest-serving and most exceptional staff member of the MyFoodByHilda team was rewarded with a brand-new car for their outstanding dedication and service.
Empowering the Next Generation of Food Entrepreneurs
The spotlight then shifted to the academy's students. The overall best student of the Hilda Baci Academy was celebrated with the presentation of another brand-new car. In another transformative move, an excellent student received a fully equipped food truck, a practical tool designed to launch their next chapter as a food business owner.
These major rewards perfectly captured the academy's core commitment: to not only train culinary talent but to actively equip students with the real-world tools needed for sustainable success. The event, held on 3 January 2026, successfully closed the year by honouring the people powering the culinary ecosystem and solidifying the academy's role in creating access and opportunity within Nigeria's vibrant food scene.
