Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci is basking in the glory of yet another milestone, officially becoming a three-time Guinness World Record holder. The confirmation comes after her groundbreaking collaboration with Gino Nigeria in 2025, where she whipped up the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice ever recorded—a whopping 8,780 kg of the beloved West African dish. But that's not all; Guinness World Records has now verified that this massive pot also shattered the record for the largest serving of rice overall, adding two new titles to her collection in one go.
Baci, who first captured the world's attention in 2023 with her historic longest cooking marathon—a grueling 93 hours and 11 minutes that put Nigerian cuisine on the global map—reflected on her latest achievements with a mix of awe and gratitude. "I woke up a three-time Guinness World Records holder, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it," she shared on Instagram. She attributed the success to "faith, sacrifice, and belief that something bigger" was unfolding, while extending heartfelt thanks to her supporters who've been with her since that initial marathon.
The 2025 event, held in Victoria Island, Lagos on September 12, was a spectacle of passion and teamwork. Partnering with Gino Nigeria, Baci and her team cooked up enough jollof to feed an estimated 20,000 people, using 1,200 kg of gas and nine hours of intense effort. "It took fire, passion, and teamwork," Baci recounted, emphasizing how the record not only celebrated Nigerian flavors but also showcased the resilience and spirit of her homeland.
This isn't just about breaking records; it's a story that resonated globally, reaching over 5 billion people and inspiring a wave of culinary pride across Africa. Gino Nigeria, now a two-time record holder themselves, highlighted the collaboration as a symbol of "resilience, teamwork, faith, and collective pride."
Baci's journey from her 2023 cookathon to this jollof triumph has solidified her status as a trailblazer in the culinary world. Fans and fellow chefs have flooded social media with congratulations, with many calling her an icon for Nigerian innovation and determination.
As she holds her new plaques—two for the jollof feat alone—Baci's message is clear: With belief and hard work, the impossible becomes history. Stay tuned to ReportNaija for more updates on Nigeria's shining stars making waves worldwide.