Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has received Nigerian chef and Guinness World Records holder Hilda Baci at the Government House in Uyo, praising her culinary achievements and urging her to continue promoting the state nationally and internationally.
Eno hosted Baci, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during her visit to the state capital. The meeting focused on her record-breaking culinary career and the visibility her achievements have brought to Akwa Ibom.
The governor described Baci’s determination and willingness to take on difficult challenges as qualities that had helped her overcome barriers and achieve international recognition.
He also encouraged the chef to continue projecting Akwa Ibom through her work. The state government separately confirmed the meeting and Eno’s commendation of Baci’s achievements.
Baci, in turn, used the visit to highlight developments she said she had observed across Akwa Ibom, including infrastructure, security, hospitality and investment opportunities.
The governor’s reception comes as Baci continues to attract international recognition for her record-setting culinary projects.
Baci first gained worldwide attention in 2023 after completing a 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon in Lagos. Although that particular longest-cooking-marathon record has since been surpassed, Guinness World Records has continued to recognise her wider contribution to culinary record-breaking.
In 2025, Baci established another Guinness World Records achievement after preparing 8,780 kilograms of Nigerian-style jollof rice in Lagos. Guinness World Records confirmed the feat and later recognised her as a GWR Icon in 2026.
Her recognised achievements include:
- The former individual longest cooking marathon record.
- The Guinness World Records title for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice.
- Recognition as a Guinness World Records Icon in 2026.
The achievements have also placed Nigerian food and culinary entrepreneurship before a global audience.
Speaking after her meeting with Governor Eno, Baci praised the pace of development in Akwa Ibom and highlighted what she described as the state’s peaceful environment and investment potential.
She was particularly impressed by facilities at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, describing the airport infrastructure favourably.
The chef also praised the hospitality and industrious character of Akwa Ibom residents.
Baci said she was prepared to work with relevant stakeholders where possible to contribute to the development of the state. She also encouraged tourists and investors to explore opportunities across Akwa Ibom.
Her comments extended beyond tourism and investment. She urged residents to promote peace, unity and love as part of efforts to sustain development.
The Akwa Ibom State Government said Baci considered the pace of infrastructure development and the state’s investment opportunities encouraging.
Baci’s connection to Akwa Ibom has given the state another prominent figure with an international profile.
Guinness World Records describes her as a Nigerian chef and restaurateur whose achievements have extended beyond individual records to influence culinary culture and inspire record-breaking efforts.
Her 2023 cooking marathon generated widespread attention in Nigeria, while her subsequent jollof rice record strengthened her association with Nigerian cuisine on the international stage. Guinness World Records said her 2023 feat contributed to a surge in record applications from Nigeria.
Her career has also developed beyond competitive cooking. Guinness World Records said Baci began helping at her mother’s restaurant as a child, became a professional chef in 2020 and later developed her own food brand and online presence.
For Akwa Ibom, her achievements provide an opportunity to connect culinary heritage, tourism and entrepreneurship with the state’s wider efforts to attract visitors and investment.
Eno’s message to Baci was not limited to recognition of her personal accomplishments. He urged the chef to continue associating her success with Akwa Ibom and to promote the state’s identity wherever her work takes her.
The governor’s reception also reflects the growing importance of cultural and creative figures in promoting destinations.
Baci’s own remarks during the visit reinforced that connection. By highlighting infrastructure, hospitality, peace and investment opportunities, she presented Akwa Ibom as a destination beyond its culinary traditions.
The meeting therefore combined recognition of an internationally known Nigerian chef with a broader conversation about the state’s public image and economic potential.
The reception comes at a time when states increasingly use tourism, culture, entertainment and entrepreneurship to strengthen their economic identities.
Baci’s global profile gives Akwa Ibom an additional platform for promoting its cuisine, people and attractions. Her willingness to collaborate with stakeholders could also create opportunities for initiatives involving food tourism, hospitality and culinary entrepreneurship.
For Baci, the visit represents a return to her home state at a point when Guinness World Records has expanded its recognition of her career from individual records to broader cultural influence.
The meeting ultimately brought together two related narratives: a state seeking to promote its development and tourism potential, and a home-grown chef whose culinary achievements have attracted international attention.
As Baci continues developing her food brand and public profile, her relationship with Akwa Ibom could provide further opportunities to promote the state’s cuisine, tourism and investment prospects.
