In an unexpected turn that has captivated Nigeria’s culinary community, celebrity chef Hilda Baci discovered this week that she holds not two, but three Guinness World Records titles, after the organization proactively awarded her an additional recognition five months after her most recent achievement.
The revelation came through a routine email check on Monday morning, January 20, when Baci received correspondence from Guinness World Records informing her that her September 2025 record attempt had simultaneously broken two distinct records rather than one.
The record in question stems from a massive culinary undertaking on September 12, 2025, when Baci partnered with Nigerian food brand Gino to prepare an extraordinary 8,780 kilograms—nearly 19,357 pounds—of rice at Victoria Island in Lagos. The endeavor was originally conceived as an attempt to break the record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, a beloved West African dish known for its distinctive tomato-based preparation.
However, upon reviewing the specifications of both record categories, Guinness officials determined that the same achievement also qualified for the broader category of largest serving of rice overall, making Baci a dual record holder from a single event.
“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,'” wrote Andrew Fanning, Head of Client Partnering for Guinness World Records’ Creative Team, in his congratulatory message. “So you have been proactively awarded this record title, too.”
The announcement marks a remarkable continuation of Baci’s record-breaking journey, which began in May 2023 when she completed the longest cooking marathon by an individual, cementing her status as a household name across Nigeria and beyond. That grueling feat captured national attention and inspired a wave of record attempts by other Nigerian talents across various categories.
Her second record, achieved just five months ago, already represented a significant milestone. But the surprise third title has added an unexpected chapter to what was already considered a completed achievement.
“I was shocked and happy at the same time, completely caught off guard,” Baci shared on social media following the announcement. “Five months after the initial record announcement, I was just finding out that there was more.”
True to form, Baci was quick to credit her collaborators, particularly business partner Oreoluwa Atinmo, whom she described as integral to the vision and execution of the record attempt. “This journey, this vision, and this record would not have been possible without her,” Baci emphasized. “We did this together. From idea to execution, side by side, fully aligned.”
The chef also framed the surprise recognition in spiritual terms, describing it as a reminder of unexpected blessings. “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,'” she reflected.
Baci’s achievements extend beyond personal accolades, serving as a powerful platform for showcasing Nigerian cuisine on the global stage. Jollof rice, in particular, holds deep cultural significance across West Africa and has been the subject of friendly regional rivalry over which country makes it best—a debate that regularly surfaces on social media.
By breaking records with this iconic dish, Baci has helped elevate Nigerian culinary traditions to international recognition while inspiring a new generation of chefs and food entrepreneurs across the continent.
The partnership with Gino, a major player in Nigeria’s food industry, also highlights the growing intersection between celebrity influence, brand collaboration, and record-breaking attempts in the country’s evolving entertainment and business landscape.
As Baci enters 2026 as a three-time Guinness World Record holder, speculation has already begun about what culinary feat she might attempt next. Her track record suggests that whatever she undertakes will likely push boundaries while celebrating Nigerian food culture.
For now, the chef appears to be savoring the unexpected recognition, describing the way she began the new year as nothing short of extraordinary.
“What a way to step into 2026,” she declared, echoing the sentiments of fans and supporters who have followed her remarkable journey from marathon cook to triple record holder—a title she now holds with characteristic grace and gratitude.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci unexpectedly became a three-time Guinness World Record holder when officials informed her—five months after the fact—that her September 2025 rice cooking attempt had actually broken two records simultaneously. The 8,780-kilogram dish prepared with brand partner Gino qualified for both “largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice” and “largest serving of rice” overall.
What makes this remarkable is that Baci discovered she held an additional world record through a routine email check in January 2026, adding to her 2023 record for the longest cooking marathon. The achievement not only cements her status as Nigeria’s premier record-breaking chef but also continues elevating Nigerian cuisine on the global stage.
