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Hilda Baci: A masterpiece of public relations for Nigeria

Despite the grim and unending tales of woe in Nigeria, and hyperinflation burning holes in empty pockets, always, a shining beam of light, cheery news like a meteor in the Milky Way, flashes past. Even if it’s for a moment, the pride and hope in the Country becomes reignited.

At all times, these meteors, Nigerians, as a result of their individual brilliance, creativity and by dint of persistence, hard work and a slice of luck shine forth and make us all proud. And they are found in every sphere, name it. Sports, education, creative writing, medicine, etc. Tobi Amusan is leading the pace with her blistering form at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo despite deplorable conditions which she allegedly complained about, yet she came through. In a thriller of a Champions league football match between Juventus and Borrusia Dortmund, two players of Nigerian descent Adeyemi and Nmecha scored beautiful goals, reminder of how hugely talented Nigerian footballers are and have been over the years.

But for me, Hilda Baci (Bassey) takes the cake with her cooking exploits and the uncanny knack of setting the mark high, and achieving it. And as a result, she has emerged a two time, Guinness World record winner! I still wonder why she has not been announced as the Nigerian Cultural Ambassador by the minister of art, culture, tourism and the creative economy, Hon. Hannatu Musawa. Or, why she has not been given a National Award for the flowers (aromatic fragrance) she has been spraying on the Country.

In May 2023, Ms. Baci organised a Cookathon when she cooked for 93 hours 11 minutes which lasted more than 3 days! That singular project beamed the light on Nigeria’s cuisine and won her the Guinness World record award. And it led to the trend of breaking records of all sorts by Nigerians, including those who sought to break her record. The positive exposure that feat gave to Nigeria as a corporate entity may not be measured, as the country gained popularity as a result of Hilda’s culinary efforts. Unfortunately, the Government could not tap into that goodwill for the benefit of the country or Nigerians. What a prize it would have been having Hilda cook for the President and any visiting Head of State, or having her compete with French and Italian cooks? Or setting up a food village in Akwa Ibom which will also encourage tourism?

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She did it again on 12 September 2025 as she achieved another Guinness World record when she cooked the largest pot of Jollof rice over a nine hour period during which she cooked 8, 780 kg of Jollof rice for 20, 000 people. Guinness World Records has confirmed the feat and would recognise it officially. According to Baci, “we made history together, for Nigeria, for Africa and for everyone who believes in the power of food to bring us closer- this win is yours too”. Powerful and patriotic words! The project took her all of one year, of strategic planning which includes getting sponsors, attracting a good team including other chefs and building the giant pot. Of course not forgetting different kinds of encouragement required for such an arduous task.

The latest Guinness World Record set by Hilda is a public relations coup which discerning stakeholders should be a part of, especially those in entertainment and tourism. The government should work to have Hilda Baci as a Culture Ambassador, and different strategies adopted to harness the positive returns from what she accomplished. Fortunately, the First Lady, Remi Tinubu has sent her a congratulatory message. More needs to be done, if the government wants to be a beneficiary of the goodwill her exploits have garnered. Creating a Nigerian food village, using her as a face of Nigeria in promotional activities, having her participate in government programmes and others. Hilda Baci through her efforts and determination has become a symbol of the Nigerian youth’s creative abilities, hard work and perseverance.

If there’s a time the Nigerian government needs to fly with the strong wind generated by Nigerians, it is now! Hilda Baci is a winner, and official recognition of her feats will be more profitable for the government than some ventures that end up fruitless.

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Okiyi, PhD, writes from Abuja.



Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of TheCable.

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