Entertainment Deputy Editor
Pius Imafidon
Nigerian celebrity chef and food content creator, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has once again made global headlines after receiving her second Guinness World Record plaque — this time for cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
The Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed in September 2025 that Hilda successfully prepared an astonishing 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice during a spectacular cookout in Lagos, officially setting a new benchmark in African culinary excellence.
This milestone makes Hilda the first Nigerian chef to hold multiple Guinness World Records, cementing her place as one of the most celebrated culinary figures on the continent.
Her first Guinness title came in May 2023 after completing a 93-hour and 11-minute cooking marathon, which captivated millions worldwide and earned her widespread acclaim.
Sharing the good news on her Instagram page, the Akwa Ibom-born chef proudly displayed her two plaques side by side, calling them symbols of “faith, fire, and history.”
“Our plaques are finally here! Two records. Two plaques. One story of faith, fire, and history. Twice, God showed up for me. Twice, we made history for Nigeria,” she wrote.
She further reflected on her journey with gratitude, quoting Isaiah 61:7:
“Instead of shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance… and everlasting joy will be yours.”
The massive jollof rice cookout, which drew more than 20,000 guests, including celebrities and influencers, became a festival of food and culture. Every serving of the gigantic meal was distributed to attendees and charity homes in line with GWR’s verification standards.
Hilda expressed that her latest record was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of Nigerian culture and resilience.
“Together with Gino, we created something bigger than ourselves — a story that reached over five billion people and reminded the world what’s possible when passion meets purpose,” she said.
Before her record-breaking achievements, Hilda had already won hearts with her online cooking tutorials, restaurant brand MyFood by Hilda, and dynamic presence on food and lifestyle shows.
Now, with two Guinness World Record plaques in her name, Hilda Baci stands tall as a symbol of Nigerian pride, creativity, and unstoppable determination — proving once again that when purpose meets passion, history is made twice.
