Hilda Baci

Hilda Baci (Hilda Effiong Bassey) is a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress and social media personality known as a Two times Guinness World Record winner.

Early Life and Education 

Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, was born on September 20, 1995, in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She belongs to the Ibibio ethnic group and was raised in a household where culinary arts were highly valued. Her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, a skilled and seasoned chef, played a pivotal role in nurturing Hilda’s interest in cooking from a very young age. Growing up, Hilda often spent time in the kitchen, observing her mother’s techniques and gradually developing her own flair for creating dishes that combined traditional Nigerian flavors with modern culinary approaches.

Hilda’s early schooling took place in her home state, where she exhibited both academic diligence and a keen interest in creative pursuits. Recognizing the importance of formal education alongside her culinary passion, she proceeded to Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. While her academic path was not directly aligned with culinary arts, it provided her with insights into social dynamics, communication, and organizational skills.

Even during her university years, Hilda’s passion for cooking never waned. She often experimented with recipes and shared her creations with family and friends, gradually gaining recognition for her talent. Her upbringing in a culturally rich environment, combined with formal education, laid a strong foundation for her eventual emergence as a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and international culinary record-holder.

Career

Hilda Baci’s career is a remarkable journey marked by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to promoting Nigerian cuisine globally. From an early age, inspired by her mother’s culinary skills, Hilda demonstrated an innate talent for cooking, which she honed over the years into a full-fledged professional career.

Even during her university years, Hilda’s passion for cooking never waned. She often experimented with recipes and shared her creations with family and friends, gradually gaining recognition for her talent. In 2021, she participated in the Jollof Face-off competition, a high-profile cooking contest centered on West Africa’s most famous dish, jollof rice. Representing Nigeria, she emerged as the winner of the competition, earning both a cash prize and wider recognition as a formidable culinary talent. This victory further solidified her reputation and positioned her as a rising star in Nigeria’s food industry.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Madonna University, Hilda turned her childhood passion into a professional pursuit. She founded “My Food by Hilda”, a Lagos-based restaurant that showcases both traditional Nigerian dishes and contemporary culinary creations. Through this platform, she not only serves food but also curates memorable dining experiences that celebrate Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage. Her restaurant quickly gained popularity, attracting food enthusiasts and earning her a reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading young culinary entrepreneurs.

Hilda’s ambition and creativity extended beyond the restaurant industry. She established the Hilda Baci Academy, an online culinary education platform designed to train and mentor aspiring chefs. The academy provides comprehensive courses ranging from basic cooking techniques to advanced culinary skills, empowering students to pursue professional careers in gastronomy. Through this initiative, Hilda has become a mentor and advocate for culinary education in Nigeria, inspiring a new generation of chefs to embrace their craft professionally.

Her career achievements are punctuated by record-breaking feats that brought her international recognition. In May 2023, she set a Guinness World Record by cooking continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes, surpassing the previous record held by Indian chef Lata Tondon. This feat not only demonstrated her endurance and skill but also positioned her as a symbol of dedication and excellence in the culinary world. In September 2025, she further cemented her global reputation by attempting to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice, an ambitious endeavor that attracted thousands of attendees and massive media coverage.

Hilda’s influence extends into media and public advocacy. She has hosted television programs such as Dine on a Budget, and her culinary exploits have been featured by international outlets including CNN, CBS, and BBC. Through these platforms, she has championed Nigerian cuisine and culture, fostering global appreciation for African culinary traditions.

Beyond accolades and media recognition, Hilda Baci’s career is defined by cultural impact and empowerment. She has used her platform to inspire young Nigerians, especially women, to pursue careers in creative and non-traditional fields. Her story emphasizes resilience, innovation, and the importance of turning passion into purposeful action, making her not only a celebrated chef but also a cultural ambassador and role model.

Awards and Recognition 

• Winner of the Jollof Face-Off Competition (2021)
• Guinness World Record Holder for the Longest Cooking Marathon (93 hours, 11 minutes) (2023)
• Recognition by Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as Guinness World Record holder (2023)
• Named Food Influencer of the Year at the Pulse Influencer Awards (2023)
• Listed among the 100 Africa Travel Under 40 Awards recipients (2023)
• Awarded Young Person of the Year at The Future Awards Africa (2023)
• Conferred with the Eminent Peace Ambassador (EPA) Award by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (2023)
• Received a Special Recognition Award for contribution to Nigeria’s food and catering industry at the Pyne Awards Africa Gala (2023)
• Granted a full scholarship up to PhD level and the Highest Merit Award by Madonna University, Okija (2023)
• Guinness World Record Holder for the Largest Pot of Nigerian Jollof Rice at the World Jollof Festival, Lagos (2025)

Notable Collaborations

1. Food & Culinary Brands

Hilda Baci’s strongest collaborations have been with food brands that align directly with her expertise as a chef and restaurateur.

• Aspira Nigeria (Viva Detergent & Dishwashing Liquid): In 2023, Aspira partnered with her Cook-a-Thon event, providing Viva Dishwash as the official cleaning product. The partnership grew into a long-term endorsement deal, making her the face of Viva Detergent and Dishwashing Liquid. This collaboration underscored the synergy between food preparation and hygiene, with Hilda perfectly embodying the campaign’s message.
• GBFoods Nigeria (Gino Tomato Paste & Bama Mayonnaise): Later in 2023, Hilda became the brand ambassador for two of GBFoods’ flagship products, Gino and Bama. Through cooking demonstrations, advertisements, and media campaigns, she helped promote these products while reinforcing her authority as a culinary figure in Nigeria.
• World Jollof Festival (2025): Her Guinness World Record for the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice attracted collaborations with food companies, beverage producers, and tourism promoters who worked with her to stage the record attempt. These alliances projected Nigerian cuisine onto a global stage, with Hilda as the cultural ambassador.

2. Lifestyle & Beauty Brands

Hilda’s growing influence as a lifestyle icon has brought her collaborations beyond the kitchen.

• Zaron Cosmetics: Supported her during the Cook-a-Thon, providing skincare and makeup products that ensured she maintained her vibrant appearance throughout the grueling marathon.
• Brief Essentials: Partnered with her by supplying apparel and performance wear, blending comfort with visibility during her physically demanding record attempt.
• Baay Projects: Worked with her on event styling and logistics, helping present the Cook-a-Thon as a professionally organized cultural moment.

3. Corporate & Logistics Support

Beyond culinary and lifestyle partnerships, Hilda has attracted support from companies across diverse sectors.

• Dana Air: Played a crucial role during the Cook-a-Thon by supporting logistics, helping transport both her team and fans to Lagos, ensuring large-scale participation.
• Itel Nigeria: Provided mobile devices that amplified her digital storytelling, enabling real-time content creation and social media updates throughout the Cook-a-Thon.
• Victoria Crest Homes: Endorsed her during the marathon and showed public support, connecting her achievements to aspirational lifestyle branding.
• Vesti App: Collaborated with her by offering financial and digital support, linking her cultural influence with fintech innovation.
• Royalrest Mattress: Supplied bedding to guarantee her comfort during permitted rest breaks at the Cook-a-Thon, symbolizing the link between wellness and productivity.

4. Educational & Empowerment Partnerships

Hilda has also collaborated with platforms and institutions to promote education and skill development.

• Hilda Baci Academy: Through her online culinary school, she has partnered with digital platforms and corporate sponsors to provide training in cooking, business skills, and social media strategy. Many of these partnerships have subsidized training for aspiring chefs, amplifying her mission of youth empowerment.
• Madonna University: In recognition of her Guinness World Record achievement, her alma mater awarded her a full scholarship up to PhD level in 2023. While symbolic, this collaboration between institution and alumna highlights her role as a model of excellence for future generations.

Philanthropy & Advocacy

Hilda Baci has leveraged her culinary platform to champion social causes, focusing on food security, youth empowerment, and public health.

🍽️ Support for the Lagos Food Bank Initiative

In 2023, Hilda Baci partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, a non-governmental organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in Nigeria. She actively participated in food distribution efforts, helping to provide meals to underserved communities. Her involvement included engaging with volunteers and encouraging public participation in the fight against food insecurity. 

💰 Contribution to the Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation

Through her social media platform, Hilda Baci facilitated a fundraising campaign that raised ₦1,000,000 for the Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation. This foundation supports widows and orphans, providing them with financial assistance and resources to improve their livelihoods. 

🎗️ Advocacy for Youth Employment and Empowerment

Hilda Baci’s record-breaking cooking events have sparked national discussions on youth unemployment and empowerment. Her initiatives aim to inspire young Nigerians to pursue careers in the culinary arts and other creative industries, emphasizing the importance of skill development and entrepreneurship.

Controversy 

1. Allegations of Fraudulent Culinary Classes

In April 2024, Nigerian influencer VeryDarkMan accused Hilda Baci of defrauding students who paid for her online cooking classes but were allegedly not added to the course. He claimed that many students were left without access to the classes after payment.

In response, Hilda Baci posted a screen recording on her social media, showcasing the active participation of over 5,800 students in her online cooking class. She captioned the video:

“5880 active students, 156 recipes already posted, comprehensive editing class done, plating class done, official assignment given. LOL.” 

This post aimed to address the allegations and demonstrate the ongoing activities of her culinary classes.

2. Collapse of the World’s Largest Jollof Rice Pot

In September 2025, during her attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, a significant incident occurred when the massive cooking pot collapsed. The collapse led to a chaotic scene, with attendees struggling to enter the venue due to overcrowding and safety concerns.

A video capturing the incident was shared on social media, showing the challenges faced by attendees:

“People were seen struggling to enter the venue of Hilda Baci’s cooking event because of Jollof rice.” 

This event raised questions about the event’s planning and safety measures, drawing criticism from the public and media outlets.

3. Walking Inside the Giant Cooking Pot

During the preparation for her record-breaking jollof rice event, Hilda Baci was filmed walking barefoot inside the massive six-meter-wide cooking pot. This act raised concerns among the public regarding hygiene and food safety.

In response to the backlash, Hilda Baci addressed the situation, stating,

“I can officially confirm this pot is clean! I personally rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself.” 

She further explained that the reason she was inside the pot was to ensure it was thoroughly cleaned before use.

Despite her explanation, the visual of walking inside the pot barefoot continued to stir debate on social media platforms.

4. Allegations of Unwashed Rice

In addition to the concerns about the cleanliness of the cooking pot, there were allegations that the rice used in the event was not washed before cooking. Viral videos seemed to show bags of rice being poured directly into the pot, leading to criticism regarding hygiene practices.

However, Hilda Baci’s team released behind-the-scenes footage confirming that the rice was thoroughly washed in bulk before being added to the pot. These videos aimed to address the concerns and clarify the preparation process.

Personal Life 

While Hilda has maintained a level of privacy regarding her personal relationships, she has occasionally shared glimpses of her life outside the kitchen. She has been seen attending events with a significant other, though details about her romantic life remain largely private.

Hilda’s journey to success has been marked by resilience and determination. She has openly shared her experiences, including the challenges of growing up with a strained family dynamic, and how these experiences have influenced her career and personal growth.

Estimated Net Worth

Hilda Baci’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $700,000. This valuation encompasses her earnings as a chef, restaurateur, actress, and social media influencer. Her income streams include her restaurant, brand endorsements, and her significant online presence. Additionally, she has been featured in various media outlets, further contributing to her financial standing.

References 

• Wikipedia.com, Hilda Baci
• Legit.ng, Hilda Baci’s Biography: Age, Parents, State of Origin, Net Worth
• Kemifilani News, Chef Hilda Baci Biography, Age, Real Name, Cookathon, Husband, Guinness Record
• Punchng.com, Hilda Baci’s Team Clears Air on ‘Unwashed Rice’ Controversy During Jollof World Record Attempt
• Legit.ng, Evidence Hilda Baci’s Team Washing Rice for Jollof Cookathon Emerges Amid Backlash
• Jidekaiji Media, Who Is Chef Hilda Baci? Hilda Effiong Bassey
• Sellatease.com, Chef Hilda Baci’s Net Worth, Cars, Biography, and Houses
• Legit.ng, Hilda Baci’s Biography: Age, Parents, State of Origin, Net Worth

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