Celebrity chef and multiple Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, celebrated her 30th birthday with a heartfelt message to her fans, describing the milestone as the start of a new era defined by strength, growth, and gratitude.
“This is 30, and it feels like stepping into a brand-new book, not just another chapter,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday.
“I carry every lesson, every tear, every win with me, but I walk forward lighter, stronger, and overflowing with gratitude to God. The woman I’ve prayed to be is the woman I’m becoming.”
Baci’s birthday comes shortly after her latest historic achievement. On September 15, 2025, she set a new Guinness World Record for preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice — a pot weighing 8,000 kilograms (approximately 17,637 pounds). The massive culinary feat, which took place in Lagos, drew thousands of spectators and widespread media attention.

Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement, solidifying Baci’s status as a trailblazer in Nigerian culinary history. This new record builds on her earlier groundbreaking accomplishment in May 2023, when she cooked non-stop for 93 hours and 11 minutes, earning the title for the longest cooking marathon by an individual — a feat that catapulted her to international fame.

Baci’s relentless drive and passion have not only showcased the richness of Nigerian cuisine to a global audience but also inspired millions across Africa and beyond. Her story — one of resilience, ambition, and faith — continues to resonate with many, particularly young women striving to break barriers in their fields.

As she steps into a new decade, Baci’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent meets hard work, purpose, and unwavering belief.