Hilda Baci has been named a Guinness World Records (GWR) Icon, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the recognition.
Guinness World Records announced Baci’s recognition on Thursday, June 18, as part of its ICONS series, which celebrates record holders whose achievements have created a wider cultural impact beyond the records they achieved.
The GWR Icon title is reserved for people whose achievements have made a lasting impact beyond individual records.
According to the record body via its website, Baci, who is a triple Guinness World Record holder, started a movement that inspired and sparked interest in thousands of people to attempt records after her cookathon in 2023, cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos. She also holds the largest serving of jollof rice and the largest serving of rice overall, which she set in 2025.
Her epic “cook-a-thon” ushered in a wave of enthusiasm for record-breaking in Nigeria within two months; GWR had received upwards of 1,500 new applications from the country.”
The organization also highlighted Baci’s rise from helping at her mother’s restaurant in Abuja as a schoolgirl to becoming one of Nigeria’s most prominent culinary entrepreneurs.
When asked about advice to someone attempting a record in the future, she said the following:
On advice for aspiring record breakers, Baci stressed that preparation is everything, stressing that passion alone is insufficient.
“Preparation is everything. Passion alone is not enough. “You need physical training, mental conditioning, a strong support team, proper documentation, and absolute clarity on the guidelines.
Study the rules carefully and respect the process.” And crucially, “understand your ‘why.’ When exhaustion hits—and it will—your reason has to be stronger than the discomfort.”
ALSO READ: Guinness World Record Officially Confirms Hilda Baci’s Largest Pot Of Jollof Rice Feat
Reacting to the recognition in a post via her Instagram page, Baci said she was hesitant about sharing the news of the recognition.
She wrote: I’ll be honest.
When I received this recognition as a Guinness World Records Icon, I wasn’t sure how to share it.
Not because I wasn’t grateful. Far from it.
But over the past few years, I’ve sometimes wrestled with the fear of being defined by a single moment. The fear that mentioning Guinness World Records again would make people think, “Isn’t she talking about this again?”
So I sat with it.
I delayed unboxing it.
I delayed filming this video.
I delayed finding the words.
But gratitude has a way of overcoming fear.
The truth is that this recognition means a lot to me. Not because of the title itself, but because of everything it represents: the journey, the sacrifices, the lessons, the growth, and the countless people who made it possible.
First, I give all glory to God. His grace has carried me through every season of my life.
To my mum, @our__mama @c.a.l.a.b.a.r_p.o.t thank you for your love, sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering belief in me.
To @noweisibor , thank you for your support, encouragement, and for walking this journey with me.
To my family, my team, my partners, my friends, and every single person who has cheered me on, prayed for me, celebrated me, and believed in me, thank you.
I receive this honor with humility, gratitude, and a heart full of appreciation.
And perhaps that’s what this moment is teaching me: that it is okay to receive the blessings, opportunities, and recognition that come from a journey you’ve poured your heart into.
For those wondering, this isn’t a new world record. @guinnessworldrecords Guinness World Records Icon is a special recognition that celebrates individuals whose achievements and influence have left a lasting impact and inspired people around the world. To be recognized as a Guinness World Records Icon for 2027 is an honor I do not take lightly, and one I receive with immense gratitude.
Thank you, Lord.
And thank you all for being part of this story.