Nigerian celebrity chef and restaurateur Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has added another milestone to her growing list of global achievements after securing a third Guinness World Record, further cementing her place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary figures.
Guinness World Records has confirmed that Baci’s September 2025 jollof rice feat not only qualified as the largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice but also met the criteria for the largest serving of rice overall. The latest recognition brings her total Guinness World Records titles to three, an achievement she described as both unexpected and deeply humbling.
Baci announced the new record on Tuesday via her Instagram page, where she updated her profile description to read, “Chef X3 Guinness World Record Holder.” Reflecting on the moment, she revealed that the confirmation came as she stepped into the new year, making the recognition an especially memorable way to begin 2026.
“Woke up a three time Guinness World Records holder and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. What a way to step into 2026,” she wrote.
According to official communication from Guinness World Records, the additional title emerged after a careful review of record guidelines. In an email signed by Andrew Fanning, Head of Client Partnering at the Records Creative Team of Guinness World Records, the organisation explained that Baci’s jollof rice attempt met the standards for two distinct categories.
“Congratulations, you are Officially Amazing again,” the email stated. “It has come to our attention when comparing record guidelines of the two record titles, that when you and your team attempted and achieved ‘Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice,’ you also achieved the record title of ‘Largest serving of rice.’”
The clarification, which came several months after the original certification, took Baci by surprise. She said she only became aware of the additional record while casually reviewing her emails, nearly five months after the initial announcement of the jollof rice achievement.
“I was just doing my usual routine, casually scrolling through my emails, when I saw the message. I was shocked and happy at the same time,” she said. “Five months after the initial record announcement, I was just finding out that there was more.”
The new recognition further reinforces Baci’s growing influence on the global culinary stage and highlights the international appeal of Nigerian cuisine, particularly jollof rice, which has become a cultural symbol and source of national pride across West Africa.
Baci first rose to global prominence in May 2023 when she completed a 93 hour, 11 minute non stop cooking marathon, setting a Guinness World Record and drawing worldwide attention to Nigeria’s food culture. That feat made her Nigeria’s first chef to hold multiple Guinness World Records and transformed her into a household name both locally and internationally.
Since then, she has leveraged her platform to promote African cuisine, inspire young creatives and entrepreneurs, and advocate for discipline, preparation and teamwork in the pursuit of excellence. Her latest achievement, she said, is a reflection of collective effort rather than individual success.
In acknowledging the people behind the scenes, Baci paid special tribute to her close collaborator Oreoluwa Atinmo, whom she described as instrumental to the vision and execution of the record breaking feat.
“The very first person I called was @oreoluwa_atinmo, because this journey, this vision, and this record would not have been possible without her,” Baci wrote. “We did this together. From idea to execution, side by side, fully aligned. Sharing that moment with her made everything feel real.”
She also expressed gratitude to her wider team, noting that the achievement was the product of long hours, meticulous planning and unwavering commitment.
“To my incredible team, this is our win. Every long day, every detail, every push, it all mattered,” she said.
Beyond teamwork, Baci framed the moment as one of faith and reflection, describing the unexpected recognition as a reminder that greater opportunities can still emerge even after major milestones have been reached.
“Honestly, God is faithful. The kind of faithful that still surprises you,” she wrote. “This feels like such a beautiful reminder that even when you think you’ve seen the full picture, God can still say, ‘There’s more.’ What a blessing, and what a way to enter this new year.”
She also thanked Guinness World Records for the recognition and for formally honouring the achievement, as well as fans and supporters who stood by her throughout the journey.
“And to everyone who supported, believed, and stood with us, my heart is so full. Still processing. Still grateful. Still in awe,” she added.
Cultural commentators say Baci’s continued success underscores the growing global appetite for African narratives of excellence and resilience. Her records have not only brought personal accolades but have also served as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, showcasing Nigerian creativity, determination and culinary heritage on a world stage.
Food industry experts also note that her achievements have helped elevate the status of chefs and hospitality professionals in Nigeria, inspiring a new generation to view the culinary arts as a viable and respected career path.
As Hilda Baci steps into 2026 as a three time Guinness World Record holder, expectations remain high for what she might accomplish next. While she has not announced any new record attempts, her supporters believe her journey is far from over.
For now, her latest feat stands as another historic chapter in a remarkable career that continues to redefine what is possible for Nigerian creatives on the global stage.
