Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – September 17, 2026 – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Wednesday received renowned Nigerian chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci at Government House, Uyo, and warmly praised her for her bold spirit and record-breaking culinary achievements that have brought honour and global recognition to the state.
Baci, an indigene of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, was hosted by the governor in a special reception during which Eno described her success as a shining example of what determination and courage can achieve.
“I want to specially commend our very own, Hilda Baci, for her bold and adventurous spirit, which has contributed to her world record-breaking achievements and have brought honour to the State,” Governor Eno said. “Your success story is a demonstration that determination and courage could enable individuals to break barriers and achieve remarkable feats. I thank you for making Akwa Ibom State proud through your cooking exploits and I urge you to continue to fly the state’s flag high.”
The governor emphasised that Baci’s exploits in the culinary world had put Akwa Ibom on the global map and charged her to keep representing the state with excellence.
In her response, Hilda Baci expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and lauded the visible transformation in the state under Eno’s leadership. She described Akwa Ibom as “amazingly beautiful,” highlighting the rapid pace of infrastructural development, the prevailing peaceful atmosphere, and growing investment opportunities.
The celebrity chef particularly praised the world-class facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport, describing them as first-rate and impressive. She also spoke highly of the hospitality and industrious nature of Akwa Ibom people, promising to partner with relevant stakeholders to further support the state’s development agenda.
Baci urged tourists and investors to explore the state’s environmental, recreational, hospitality and other investment opportunities, noting that such engagement could help businesses maximise their potential and contribute to economic growth.
The reception was attended by key state officials, including the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Helen Eno Obareki; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; and Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah.
Hilda Baci rose to international fame in 2023 after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Her achievement continues to inspire many young Nigerians, particularly those from Akwa Ibom, and remains a source of pride for the state.
Governor Eno’s recognition of Baci forms part of ongoing efforts by the state government to celebrate outstanding indigenes who excel on the global stage and project a positive image of Akwa Ibom.
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