Hilda Baci’s Mother Shares Story Behind Jollof Rice World Record

The mother of Nigerian chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has opened up about the inspiration and struggles that shaped her daughter’s journey to culinary fame.
Speaking in the wake of Hilda’s record-breaking feat, she recounted the humble beginnings, family sacrifices, and personal encouragement that kept the young chef motivated during her cook-a-thon challenge.
According to her, Hilda’s passion for cooking was nurtured at home, where she grew up watching her mother run a small food business. She recalled how she once operated a modest restaurant under a canopy, preparing meals for long queues of customers despite limited resources.
That resilience, she explained, was what instilled in Hilda the values of consistency, hard work, and creativity in the kitchen.
During the marathon cooking session, Hilda’s mother was a visible pillar of support. At one point, she publicly addressed her daughter, reminding her of her strength and determination.
“Hilda, I love you so much. You have never failed in life, and I know you will not fail now,” she said, urging her to push through the fatigue.
She also joked about Hilda being “a baby of soft life” who chose a very tough task but reassured her that the effort would lead to greater rewards.
After Hilda’s successful record, her mother expressed deep gratitude, describing the achievement as a turning point not only for her daughter but for their entire family.
“You have turned me into a celebrity,” she said with pride, reflecting on how they had gone from struggling to pay rent to receiving global recognition.
Her story sheds light on the personal sacrifices behind the widely celebrated Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, popularly dubbed the “Jollof rice world record.” It also highlights the powerful role of parental support in helping Hilda endure the grueling hours and emotional strain of the challenge.
For many Nigerians, Hilda’s triumph has become a symbol of resilience and ambition, while her mother’s testimony adds a deeper layer of humanity to a story that has already captured international attention.