A chef who worked closely with Hilda Baci during her Guinness World Record journey has shared behind-the-scenes details of the planning, teamwork and determination that contributed to the Nigerian culinary star's historic achievement.
Speaking in an interview with Punch Newspapers, the chef explained that Hilda's success was never a one-person effort but the result of months of preparation involving a dedicated team committed to delivering excellence.
According to the chef, every stage of the record attempt required careful planning, with responsibilities assigned to different team members to ensure that Hilda could focus on cooking while the support crew handled logistics and coordination.
The team reportedly spent weeks testing recipes, organising equipment and developing contingency plans to minimise disruptions during the record attempt.
The chef explained that maintaining consistency throughout the challenge required precise coordination because every meal prepared had to meet Guinness World Records' strict requirements.
He noted that the support team managed ingredient preparation, kitchen organisation and sanitation while ensuring that every aspect of the attempt complied with international standards.
Beyond the technical work, emotional support also played an important role in helping Hilda remain focused throughout the physically demanding challenge.
The chef said there were moments of exhaustion and uncertainty, but the team's encouragement helped sustain Hilda's confidence and determination until the record attempt was completed successfully.
He described Hilda as disciplined, resilient and fully committed to representing Nigeria on the global stage through culinary excellence.
According to him, the achievement reflected not only Hilda's talent but also the collective effort of professionals who believed in the vision from the beginning.
Hilda first gained worldwide recognition in 2023 after setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, completing an officially recognised time of 93 hours and 11 minutes.
Although that record was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher, Hilda continued pursuing new culinary milestones instead of allowing the setback to define her career.
In September 2025, she returned to the Guinness record books by preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, earning another global title.
Guinness World Records later confirmed that the feat also qualified as the largest serving of rice overall, making Hilda a three-time Guinness World Record holder.
Reflecting on the achievement, the chef said the recognition belongs not only to Hilda but also to every individual who contributed behind the scenes to making the ambitious project a reality.
He encouraged aspiring chefs to embrace collaboration, stressing that remarkable accomplishments are often built on strong teams rather than individual effort alone.
Industry observers say Hilda's continued success has inspired a new generation of Nigerian chefs and entrepreneurs while showcasing the country's culinary heritage to a global audience.
Her journey continues to demonstrate that resilience, preparation and teamwork can transform ambitious dreams into world-record achievements that inspire millions around the world.