Hilda Effiong Baci, the Akwa Ibom-born chef who took the world by storm in 2023, has once again ignited national pride with her latest Guinness World Record attempt. On Friday, September 12, 2025, the renowned chef shifted her much-anticipated Jollof Rice Festival to the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, after overwhelming registrations from over 20,000 eager attendees forced a change of venue. With the new space, Baci is preparing to cook 250 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-liter pot, aiming to set a new world record for the largest pot of Nigerian Jollof rice.
Baci’s rise to global fame began in March 2023 when she announced her ambition to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. She began her famous “Cook-a-thon” on May 11, 2023, and on May 15 at 7:45 a.m., she shattered the existing record of 87 hours, 45 minutes, previously held by Indian chef Lata Tondon. Hilda went further, cooking continuously for 100 hours, before Guinness officially confirmed her record at 93 hours, 11 minutes after reviewing the evidence.
Her resilience and spirit during the Cook-a-thon, held at Amore Gardens in Lekki, inspired millions of Nigerians who trooped to the venue to cheer her on, while countless others trended her name on social media. High-profile Nigerians, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, entertainers like Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, and Tim Godfrey, and religious leaders such as Pastor Bolaji Idowu, also lent their voices and presence to support her. This groundswell of encouragement reflected the power of unity when Nigerians rally behind one of their own.
Baci, born on September 20, 1995, in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is more than just a Guinness record-holder. She is a trained sociologist, having earned her degree from Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State. But her love for cooking began much earlier, inspired by her mother, a seasoned chef. Hilda’s decision to pursue culinary education marked the turning point in her career, transforming a childhood passion into a global phenomenon.
She has since built a brand around her skills and charisma, hosting Dine on a Budget, a television show on Pop Central TV that teaches Nigerians how to prepare delicious meals at affordable costs. For many aspiring chefs, her story underscores the importance of building platforms that blend passion with purpose, making her a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s food industry.
Though she lost her Guinness World Record title in November 2023 to Irish chef Alan Fisher, who cooked for an astounding 119 hours and 57 minutes, Baci’s response demonstrated her humility and sportsmanship. She publicly congratulated Fisher and expressed pride that the record had been pushed even further. This attitude of resilience teaches Nigerian chefs that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and reinvention.
With her latest attempt at the Eko Hotel, Hilda Baci is not only aiming for another Guinness title but also reinforcing the cultural significance of Nigerian Jollof rice on the global stage. By attempting to cook 250 bags of rice in one massive pot, she is celebrating an African culinary identity that has long been the subject of international debate and pride. For upcoming chefs, this is a lesson in merging local cuisine with global recognition.
The scale of the Lagos event reflects how far Hilda has come. Originally, the festival was designed for 3,000 attendees. However, overwhelming registrations exceeding 20,000 forced organizers to move to Eko Hotel, one of Lagos’ largest and most secure venues. Baci has assured all attendees that the event remains free and that every meal will also be served at no cost, a gesture that emphasizes her vision of inclusivity and community celebration through food.
Her story also highlights the importance of preparation and vision in achieving greatness. During her 2023 Cook-a-thon, Hilda displayed remarkable stamina and discipline, cooking round the clock while engaging supporters and maintaining high standards. These qualities endurance, passion, and consistency are vital lessons for Nigerian chefs who dream of leaving their mark in the culinary world.
Beyond the Guinness World Records, Hilda’s journey teaches Nigerian youths about entrepreneurship in food. Her blend of cooking skills, branding, and community engagement shows that chefs are not only kitchen-bound but also cultural ambassadors and business innovators. By leveraging her visibility, she has expanded opportunities in food events, media, and advocacy, paving the way for younger chefs to dream bigger.
Equally inspiring is her ability to use setbacks as stepping stones. When Alan Fisher broke her record, many thought her relevance might diminish. Instead, she came back stronger with a new vision—this time focusing on scale, cultural heritage, and mass participation. For young chefs, this demonstrates the power of resilience, reinvention, and maintaining relevance in a competitive industry.
Baci’s work also redefines the role of women in the Nigerian culinary space. As a young woman under 30, she has become a household name, challenging stereotypes and showing that women can lead globally recognized innovations. Her story inspires not just chefs but also countless Nigerian women who dream of excelling in male-dominated industries.
As the festival unfolds at Eko Hotel, all eyes are on Hilda Baci once again. Whether or not she secures another Guinness World Record, her courage, creativity, and charisma have already cemented her place as one of Nigeria’s most inspiring culinary figures. For aspiring chefs, her message is clear: passion, hard work, and innovation can take you from a family kitchen to the global stage.
With every meal she cooks, Hilda Baci is not just feeding people she is nurturing dreams, shaping the future of Nigerian cuisine, and motivating the next generation of chefs to rise beyond limits.
