HILDA BACI

EARLY LIFE

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.

PERSONAL LIFE

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. 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.

Biography

EARLY LIFE

CAREER

PERSONAL LIFE

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