Guinness World Records has recognised Nigerian chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci as a Guinness World Records ICON, celebrating the cultural impact of her record-breaking cooking marathon and its influence on record attempts across Nigeria and beyond.
Recognition Beyond a Title
Baci, who broke the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, said the recognition represented more than holding a title, describing it as a reflection of resilience, passion, discipline and the courage to dream boldly.
“Being named a Guinness World Records ICON means so much more to me than holding a title. It represents resilience, passion, discipline and the power of dreaming boldly,” she said.
The chef added that what started as a personal challenge later inspired millions of people around the world. “What started as a personal challenge became something that inspired millions of people around the world, and that is incredibly humbling,” she said.
ICONS Series Celebration
Guinness World Records announced Baci’s recognition as part of its ICONS series, which celebrates record holders whose achievements have created a wider cultural impact beyond the records they achieved.
In a post shared on its Instagram page, Guinness World Records congratulated Baci on receiving her ICON certificate, noting the influence of her 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon attempt in May 2023. The organisation said Baci’s achievement attracted global attention and inspired thousands of people in Nigeria and other African countries to pursue record attempts of their own.
Further Achievements
Baci later secured two more Guinness World Records titles in 2025 for the largest serving of jollof rice and the overall largest serving of rice, after preparing a dish weighing 8,780 kilograms. Her inclusion in the ICONS series places her among record holders recognised for achievements that have had a lasting cultural impact.
By Suliyat Tella, Guardian Life
