Dtimes Focus: Hilda Bacci- The Culinary Trailblazer

Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has become one of Nigeria’s biggest culinary exports. Born in Akwa Ibom State and a sociology graduate of Madonna University, Hilda’s love for food began in her mother’s kitchen. Though she once tried her hand at acting and presenting, cooking always pulled her back, a passion that has since taken her from a small kitchen brand, MyFoodByHilda, to the world stage.

Her rise to fame began in May 2023, when she staged a cook-a-thon in Lagos, cooking for 100 hours in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Guinness later confirmed her official time at 93 hours, 11 minutes, beating the previous record and instantly making her a household name.

Since then, Hilda has built on her fame with brand partnerships, cooking classes, and empowerment programs, helping women and young chefs see cooking as a career with dignity. She has also collaborated with organizations like the Lagos Food Bank to provide food to vulnerable families, demonstrating that her vision extends beyond personal gain.

And just when the world thought she was done and settled in teaching life, Hilda made history again. On 12 September 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos, she cooked the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, a staggering 8,780 kilograms, an achievement now officially certified by Guinness World Records. The project was done in partnership with the food brand Gino.

Today, Hilda Baci stands as more than just a chef or a record holder. She is an entrepreneur, mentor, and cultural ambassador, pushing Nigerian food onto the global map while inspiring the next generation to dream boldly.