Within the span of just two years, Hilda Baci, a remarkable Nigerian woman, has risen to international prominence and shattered barriers to become a two-time Guinness World Records (GWR) holder. Her latest achievement represents yet another historic milestone that deserves wholehearted recognition from Nigerians across all walks of life, as well as formal acknowledgment from the Nigerian government.
The Guinness World Records has officially conferred upon Hilda Baci another prestigious world record for “preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice” using the largest pot ever constructed for such a culinary purpose. This extraordinary accomplishment follows her groundbreaking achievement two years prior, when she first captured global attention by setting the GWR for the longest cooking marathon, an event that became popularly known as the cook-a-thon.
Hilda’s remarkable exploits demonstrate exceptional creativity, unwavering effort, tireless hard work, and extraordinary resilience that have once again positioned Nigeria prominently on the global stage in an overwhelmingly positive light. Her achievements stand as a testament to what individual Nigerian excellence can accomplish, something that, regrettably, the nation’s political elite have consistently failed to deliver through their governance and leadership.
In recent years, Nigerian youth have been increasingly showcasing their exceptional talents and seeking recognition from the Guinness World Records organisation. Against this backdrop, Hilda’s innovative conceptualisation within the culinary world, the remarkable manifestation of her vision through the construction of a massive cooking pot, and the sheer ingenuity required to organise such an ambitious undertaking deserve the highest commendation from all quarters of society.
The significance of her achievements extends far beyond personal glory. Nigerian youth are demonstrating remarkable creativity while taking initiative and providing employment opportunities for themselves and everyone involved in such ventures, accomplishing these feats entirely without government’s support or assistance. Through their determination and resourcefulness, they are proving to the international community the extraordinary ingenuity and abundant talents that flourish throughout Nigeria, often despite systemic challenges and limited institutional support.
Furthermore, individuals like Hilda are actively engaged in rebranding Nigeria for both business and leisure purposes, effectively proving the nation’s potential while attracting much-needed direct foreign investment to the country. Their success stories serve as powerful marketing tools that showcase Nigeria’s human capital and creative capabilities to international audiences who might otherwise hold negative preconceptions about the nation.
We wholeheartedly commend Hilda’s exceptional exploits and earnestly encourage other Nigerians with abundant talents to step forward and demonstrate to the world the remarkable capacity and potential that exist within Nigeria’s borders. The international community should view Hilda’s achievements, along with those of other accomplished Nigerians like her, as the true markers of Nigeria’s image and reputation rather than view harmful stereotypes that characterise the country primarily through the lens of internet fraud, romance scams, and various forms of financial criminality.
The Nigerian government bears a significant responsibility to encourage and formally recognise Hilda and all those exceptional individuals who have single-handedly brought glory and positive recognition to Nigeria through their personal efforts and achievements. Such recognition would not only honour their contributions but also inspire others to pursue excellence in their respective fields.
As we celebrate Hilda’s remarkable success, we strongly urge young people throughout Nigeria to emulate her example and view her as a positive role model, rather than engaging in yahoo-yahoo activities and ritual practices designed to facilitate get-rich-quick schemes. The destructive allure of these illegal activities continues to ravage and fundamentally destroy the potential of countless Nigerian youth who might otherwise channel their talents and energy towards legitimate and meaningful pursuits.
Hilda’s story, along with those of other accomplished Nigerians, clearly demonstrates that there is significantly more to life than the get-rich-quick syndrome that has become increasingly prevalent among the nation’s youth. Her journey illustrates that success achieved through dedication, hard work, creativity, and perseverance not only brings personal fulfillment but also contributes positively to the nation’s reputation and creates lasting value for society as a whole.
The path that Hilda has chosen exemplifies the transformative power of focusing one’s talents and energy on constructive endeavours that benefit both the individual and the broader community. Her achievements serve as a reminder that authentic success, built on a foundation of genuine skill and determination, creates opportunities that extend far beyond personal gain and contributes to the collective advancement of Nigerian society on the global stage.
