Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has become a household name in Nigeria and beyond, thanks to her groundbreaking culinary feats that continue to redefine the limits of cooking. Born on September 20, 1995, in Akwa Ibom State, the celebrated chef studied Sociology at Madonna University, Okija, before fully embracing her passion for food. That academic background, though far from the kitchen, shaped her perspective on people and communities—insights that now reflect in her approach to food as a tool for connection and cultural storytelling.
Her rise to international fame began in May 2023, when she captured global attention with her record-breaking 100-hour cooking marathon, during which she prepared over 100 diverse dishes. That remarkable effort earned her a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, cementing her place as one of Africa’s most daring culinary innovators.
On September 12, 2025, Baci took her boldness to another level at the iconic Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, where she attempted to cook the world’s largest serving of jollof rice. The scale of this record attempt was staggering—250 bags of rice, weighing about 5,278 kilograms, combined with 1,583 kilograms of tomato paste, all simmering in a pot so massive it measured six meters in both height and width. Designed with a volume of 22,619 liters, the pot was filled up to 80% capacity, an achievement that underscored Baci’s ambition and meticulous planning.
The event, dubbed the Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci, drew over 20,000 registered attendees, making it not just a cooking challenge but a cultural spectacle. From music and dance to community bonding, the festival embodied more than a culinary milestone—it celebrated Nigeria’s vibrant spirit and the power of food to unite people. Among those present to cheer her on were actress Funke Akindele, influencers Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Tomike Adeoye, MC Veekee James, Folagade Banks, and Pastor Bolaji Idowu, whose presence and support added star power and excitement to the historic gathering.
Jollof rice, one of West Africa’s most cherished dishes, carries deep cultural symbolism as a unifying delicacy across the region. Baci’s choice to make it the centerpiece of her world record attempt spoke volumes about her vision. “This is more than food; it’s our culture and resilience on display,” she said, highlighting how the project was not just about breaking records but about honoring heritage and strengthening identity through cuisine.
As Hilda Baci stirred her way through this extraordinary feat, she once again placed Nigeria at the center of the global culinary stage. With this bold attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record, she proved that her journey is not just about cooking but about daring to dream bigger each time. Whether the record is officially sealed or not, her determination has already etched another unforgettable chapter in the story of African cuisine and cultural pride.
