In May 2023, Hilda Effiong Bassey, fondly known as Hilda Baci, captured the world’s attention when she cooked her way into the Guinness World Records. Her marathon cooking feat, which lasted for an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes, broke the previous longest cooking record and etched her name into history.

That achievement transformed her from a Nigerian chef and content creator into a global culinary icon, celebrated not only for her stamina but also for her innovation, resilience, and flair in the kitchen. Now, in 2025, Hilda has once again stunned the world by setting a new Guinness World Record, further cementing her place as one of the most influential figures in modern culinary arts.

Hilda’s journey to international recognition has always been marked by a combination of ambition and cultural pride. When she first attempted the cook-a-thon in 2023 at the Amore Gardens in Lagos, it was more than just a test of endurance.

It was an opportunity to showcase Nigerian cuisine, its diversity, richness, and soul, to a global audience. For four sleepless days, she churned out over 100 meals, feeding hundreds of people and keeping millions hooked through social media live streams. Nigerians at home and abroad rallied behind her, celebrities and politicians paid her visits, and the Guinness World Records’ confirmation turned her into a household name.

But Hilda’s story did not end with that record. Many expected her to simply enjoy the fame, endorsements, and global media attention that followed. Instead, she returned to her kitchen, continued pushing boundaries, and began plotting her next move.

Her philosophy was clear: breaking one record wasn’t enough; she wanted to prove that lightning could strike twice. This determination has now borne fruit, as she has successfully claimed a second Guinness World Record, a rare accomplishment that sets her apart from many record-holders who never attempt such feats again.

The new record, confirmed by Guinness World Records yesterday, 15th September 2025, is yet another endurance-based culinary milestone. This time, Hilda chose to focus on cooking the largest pot of Nigerian Jollof.

While details of the specific category continue to trend online, what is certain is that the attempt required not only technical cooking skills but also extraordinary physical and mental resilience, qualities Hilda had already proven during her 2023 marathon.

To understand the magnitude of her achievement, one has to look back at the 93-hour cook-a-thon that made her a global star. That record was not merely about the hours; it was about maintaining culinary standards while battling exhaustion.

During her marathon, Hilda prepared both local and international delicacies, ranging from jollof rice and egusi soup to pasta, stir-fries, and baked goods. Volunteers and medical professionals were on standby, ensuring she didn’t collapse under the pressure.

Despite the fatigue, she maintained her composure, interacted with supporters, and even danced occasionally to keep spirits high. Her effort turned into a cultural festival of sorts, with thousands flocking to the venue and millions engaging on social media.

Guinness World Records’ official confirmation in June 2023 acknowledged her achievement while correcting her initial claim of 100 hours. According to their rules, rest breaks had to be deducted, leaving her with the official tally of 93 hours 11 minutes. Nevertheless, she still broke the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes held by Indian chef Lata Tondon, making her the new titleholder. This distinction elevated not just her career but also Nigerian cuisine, shining a spotlight on a culinary tradition often overshadowed globally.

The impact of that first record extended beyond the kitchen. Hilda quickly became a brand ambassador for top companies, appeared on international media outlets, and inspired a generation of young Nigerians who saw in her a symbol of resilience and possibility.

Her new record attempt was not without challenges. Just as with the cook-a-thon, Hilda faced scrutiny, logistical hurdles, and the ever-present risk of failure. Critics wondered whether she was simply chasing headlines, while others argued that she had already made her mark and did not need another attempt.

But Hilda’s drive was never about silencing critics. For her, it was about testing the limits of her craft and expanding the conversation about what Nigerian chefs can achieve on the world stage.

In a pos, she dropped a list of all she used to achieve her new record. The list include:

• 612kg of Oil

• 800kg of Asun Peppered chicken plus party jollof plus party jollof

• 600kg of her jollof mix

• 220kg of Gino Asun and peppered chicken cubes

• 20g of Gino curry and 7g of thyme

• 300kg of onion,garlic and ginger blend

• 164kg of fresh goat meat

• 1200kg of gas

And 9 hours of fire, passion and team work which resulted to 16,600 plus plates of jollof rice.

What sets Hilda apart is the way she ties her records to cultural identity. Unlike some Guinness World Record attempts that seem gimmicky, hers carry a sense of purpose. She consistently integrates Nigerian meals into her challenges, reminding the world that Nigerian cuisine is as worthy of recognition as French, Italian, or Chinese culinary traditions. By doing so, she has become not just a record-holder but also an ambassador for African food culture.

The announcement of her latest success has been met with widespread celebration. Social media platforms are buzzing, with hashtags dedicated to her new feat dominating Nigerian Twitter (X) trends. Fans and fellow chefs are applauding her consistency and the Guinness World Records itself praised her resilience, noting that breaking multiple culinary endurance records is exceptionally rare.

Looking ahead, Hilda Baci’s achievements raise intriguing questions. Will she continue attempting more records, or will she pivot towards building a lasting culinary empire, perhaps with restaurants, cookbooks, and TV shows? Already, she has hinted at plans to create platforms for young chefs, offering mentorship and opportunities in an industry that remains challenging to penetrate. Her influence is also expanding beyond food; she is increasingly viewed as a motivational figure whose story inspires perseverance across different fields.

For Nigeria, Hilda’s rise is a point of national pride. In a country where negative news often dominates international headlines, her victories provide a refreshing narrative of excellence, creativity, and determination. She joins the ranks of Nigerians like Tobi Amusan in athletics and Burna Boy in music who are breaking global boundaries and rewriting perceptions about the country.

Ultimately, Hilda Baci’s new Guinness World Record is more than a personal win. It is a testament to what can happen when ambition meets resilience, and when cultural pride is paired with global platforms.

By breaking not one but two world records in the span of just two years, she has ensured her name will remain in culinary history books for decades to come. More importantly, she has inspired countless people to believe that even the wildest dreams, like cooking for nearly 100 hours straight or attempting another equally grueling challenge, are within reach if one is bold enough to try.

With her latest triumph, Hilda has not just defended her title as a record-breaker. She has expanded it, building a legacy that goes beyond the kitchen and into the hearts of millions who now see her as proof that passion, grit, and cultural identity can indeed conquer the world.