Hilda Baci: Redefining Nigerian Cuisine on the World Stage

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By Nwafor Oji Awala 

When Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, set her sights on the Guinness World Record for the Biggest Pot of Jollof Rice, it was never going to be a small dream. It was, in fact, a dream measured in 250 bags of rice, nine months of meticulous planning, and a price tag that crossed ₦300 million.

“We spent over 300 million Naira on this Biggest Pot of Jollof Rice Guinness World Record,” Hilda revealed with a mix of pride and gratitude. “The planning alone took nine months, and making the pot took us two months. I have friends who came from America to Nigeria to watch me, and I’m very grateful to win this record for my country.”

Her words carried the weight of the journey, one marked by courage, sacrifice, and an unrelenting belief in Nigeria’s culinary power.

On the day of the record attempt, over 20,000 Nigerians thronged the venue, united not just by the aroma of steaming jollof rice, but by the spirit of celebration. It wasn’t merely food; it was history in the making. And when the Guinness World Records confirmed her success, Hilda Baci wasn’t just another record holder, she became a cultural ambassador.

A Journey Etched in Passion

This is not the first time Hilda has dared the impossible. In 2023, she stunned the world by cooking for over 100 hours, earning the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. That feat placed her in the global spotlight and marked her as a trailblazer who could elevate Nigeria’s culinary heritage with every dish she prepared.

But for Hilda, food is more than records. It is storytelling. It is the rhythm of culture. It is unity in a pot. From food shows and culinary classes to inspiring young chefs, she has consistently transformed Nigeria’s beloved flavors into a global conversation.


Beyond the Kitchen

Hilda’s success is more than her own. It is a statement that Nigeria’s cultural identity can be celebrated through its cuisine. Her journey reaffirms that cooking is not just about feeding people,, it is about preserving heritage, creating community, and telling the world who we are.

With two Guinness plaques , Hilda Baci has become more than a chef. She is a symbol of possibility, reminding young Africans that dreams, no matter how audacious, can be plated for the world to taste.


Nwafor Oji Awala 

(c) Prime Heritage Magazine 


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