Hilda Baci, the Nigerian celebrity chef and double Guinness World Record holder, is a force to be reckoned with. At just 30 years old, Baci has carved out a name for herself as Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary figure, blending her love for food with a sharp business acumen. Born in Calabar and raised in Abuja, Baci’s journey to stardom began in her mother’s eatery, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for cooking. Today, she is the face of the My Food by Hilda brand, which boasts over a million Instagram followers and includes a Lagos-based restaurant, cookery classes, and a private chef service. Baci first gained international attention in 2023 with her 93-hour, 11-minute cook-a-thon, a feat that broke a world record and inspired a wave of endurance challenges across Nigeria. More recently, she set a new Guinness record by cooking over 8.7 tonnes of jollof rice in a single pot. Baci’s success is no accident; it is the result of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of brand building. She envisions a global legacy for Nigerian cuisine, with plans to expand her brand to the UK, US, Canada, and South Africa. Beyond her culinary achievements, Baci is also a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, challenging societal expectations around marriage and gender roles. Her story is one of resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Dubai sex-trade ring boss held by police after BBC investigation
Charles Mwesigwa, also known locally as Abbey, the alleged leader of a degrading sex-trade ring exploiting vulnerable women in Dubai’s upscale neighborhoods, has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The arrest follows a BBC investigation that exposed Mwesigwa’s operations, including his admission to an undercover reporter that he could provide women for sex parties starting at $1,000 (£750). Mwesigwa, a former London bus driver, claimed the women could perform “pretty much everything” clients desired.
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Boxing in Ghana suspended after fighter dies aged 32
The Ghanaian government has imposed an immediate nationwide suspension on all boxing activities following the tragic death of super-middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali. The 32-year-old fighter passed away on Tuesday, just 11 days after his bout against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on September 12. While the exact cause of death remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest it may be linked to internal injuries sustained during the match. This incident marks the second fatality in Ghana’s boxing scene within six months, raising urgent concerns about safety standards in the sport. In March, Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed during a fight against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu in Accra and died shortly after being hospitalized. In response to these tragedies, the National Sports Authority has described the suspension as a ‘necessary step’ to ‘protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport, and ensure its future.’ Authorities have also unveiled a five-year strategy aimed at implementing safer, more professional, and globally-aligned standards for boxing. Ghana has a rich boxing heritage, having produced world-renowned champions such as Azumah Nelson, and the sport enjoys widespread popularity across the nation. However, these recent deaths have reignited critical discussions about the need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory reforms.
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Namibians warned against holding parties at cemeteries after ‘disgraceful’ event
Namibian authorities have issued a stern warning against holding social gatherings in cemeteries following a controversial incident at Gammams cemetery in Windhoek last weekend. The event, which featured seating arrangements, cooler boxes, and alcohol, has been widely condemned as disrespectful and inappropriate. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with car boots open, people drinking, and litter scattered across the sacred grounds. One resident expressed her dismay on Facebook, stating that the cemetery resembled a shebeen (informal drinking establishment) rather than a place of rest. In response, the City of Windhoek released a statement on Thursday, labeling the behavior ‘unacceptable’ and emphasizing that it ‘disrespects the dignity of the deceased and disturbs other grieving families.’ The authorities reminded the public that littering in cemeteries is a criminal offense and announced plans for ‘strict monitoring and enforcement’ to preserve the sanctity of burial sites. This incident is not the first time Gammams cemetery has been in the spotlight; in 2021, a man was arrested for firing shots during a funeral, and cars were reportedly spun in the parking area nearby. The Namibian government has reiterated that cemeteries are sacred spaces reserved solely for burials and remembrance, prohibiting social gatherings, alcohol consumption, and littering.
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Huge sting operation across Africa sees 260 arrested for sextortion and romance scams
In a sweeping international effort, Interpol has spearheaded a major operation targeting cybercriminals across 14 African nations, resulting in the arrest of 260 suspects. The initiative, funded by the UK, focused on dismantling criminal networks exploiting social media and digital platforms to perpetrate romance scams and sextortion schemes. These scams involve blackmailing victims using explicit imagery, causing both financial and psychological harm. Over 1,400 victims were identified across countries including Ghana, Kenya, and Angola, with estimated losses nearing $2.8 million. The operation, conducted between July and August, led to the seizure of critical digital evidence, including USB drives, Sim cards, and forged documents, as well as the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures. Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, highlighted the alarming rise in digital-enabled crimes across Africa, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. In Ghana alone, 68 suspects were arrested, and $70,000 was recovered from an estimated $450,000 in losses. Similar successes were reported in Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Angola, where scammers used fake profiles and fraudulent documents to deceive victims. The operation, part of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, underscores the global police network’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals online.
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Interpol says 260 suspects in online romance scams have been arrested in Africa
In a sweeping operation coordinated by Interpol, 260 individuals suspected of involvement in online romance and extortion scams have been arrested across 14 African countries. The crackdown, conducted in July and August, targeted schemes where perpetrators manipulated victims into financial exploitation or blackmail using explicit images. According to Interpol, these scams affected over 1,400 victims, resulting in losses nearing $2.8 million. Cyril Gout, acting executive director of police services at Interpol, highlighted the surge in digital-enabled crimes, emphasizing the dual impact of financial and psychological harm on victims. Among the arrests, Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to deceive victims into paying fraudulent fees and recording explicit videos for blackmail. In Senegal, 22 individuals were apprehended for impersonating celebrities on social media and dating platforms, scamming over 100 people out of approximately $34,000. Similarly, Ivory Coast authorities arrested 24 suspects for exploiting fake profiles to blackmail victims with intimate images. Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, serves as the world’s largest international police network, facilitating collaboration among 196 member countries to combat crimes ranging from cybercrime to organized crime. The organization continues to address emerging challenges, including the escalating caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, amid growing divisions among its members.
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Pride and excitement as Africa hosts road cycling world championships for the first time
In a groundbreaking moment for African sports, Rwanda is hosting the Road Cycling World Championships for the first time in the event’s 104-year history. The championships, held in Kigali, have drawn elite cyclists from around the globe, including Uganda’s Ronald Yiga, who sees this as a pivotal opportunity to elevate cycling’s profile across the continent. Yiga, a 32-year-old cellphone repairer turned cyclist, began riding during the COVID-19 pandemic and now dreams of racing alongside his idol, Tadej Pogačar, the reigning world champion and Tour de France winner. For Yiga and his teammates from the Fun Cycling Club, this event is more than a competition—it’s a chance to showcase African talent and inspire a new generation of riders. Despite racing on vintage bikes compared to the high-end equipment of professionals, African cyclists remain undeterred, driven by the hope of attracting sponsors and advancing their careers. Jacques Landry, director of the World Cycling Center, believes the championships could mark a turning point for cycling in Africa, igniting interest and investment in the sport. Rwanda’s investment in cycling infrastructure and its ambition to become a global sports hub have been met with enthusiasm, though critics accuse the government of using high-profile events to divert attention from human rights concerns. Nonetheless, the event has united communities, with thousands of fans lining the hills of Kigali to cheer on riders, symbolizing a shared pride in Africa’s sporting potential.
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Why a tiny island’s fate could decide Seychelles’ next president
Assumption Island, a remote and seemingly unremarkable island in the Indian Ocean, has unexpectedly become a focal point in Seychelles’ ongoing elections. Located over 1,000 kilometers from the nation’s main hub, this barren island is now at the center of a heated debate involving geopolitics, environmental conservation, and national sovereignty. The island’s strategic location near key shipping lanes has attracted international interest, particularly from India, which sought to establish a military base there. However, public pressure has so far prevented such developments. The recent lease of part of the island to the Qatari royal family for a luxury resort has further stirred controversy, raising concerns about environmental degradation and lack of transparency. Conservationists warn that the island’s ecological significance, particularly its role as a nesting site for green turtles and its proximity to the UNESCO-listed Aldabra atoll, is at risk. As Seychelles heads to the polls, the future of Assumption Island has become a key electoral issue, with President Wavel Ramkalawan defending the Qatari deal as essential for economic survival, while opposition leader Dr. Patrick Herminie criticizes the government’s handling of the situation. The election outcome could determine the island’s fate, balancing economic interests against environmental preservation and national pride.
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Stockholm marathon winner Alene dies aged 30
The world of athletics is mourning the untimely death of Ethiopian marathon star Shewarge Alene, who passed away at the age of 30. The tragic news was confirmed by the organizers of the Stockholm Marathon, where Alene had claimed victory in May 2025, marking her most recent competitive triumph. Alene, who had been a professional marathon runner since 2011, participated in 27 marathons over her illustrious career, securing an impressive 12 wins. Her personal best time of 2:27:26 was achieved in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023. The Stockholm Marathon team expressed their grief on Instagram, stating, ‘It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025. Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.’ Alene’s sudden demise has left the global running community in shock, as they remember her remarkable contributions to the sport.
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French navy seizes nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine off West African coast
In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, the French navy has seized nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine, valued at $610 million, from an unflagged fishing vessel off the Gulf of Guinea. The operation, conducted on Monday, was part of France’s long-standing Corymbe naval mission, which has been active in the region since 1990 to combat piracy and ensure maritime security. The interception was made possible through coordinated efforts involving maritime intelligence, anti-drug authorities, and the British National Crime Agency. This latest seizure adds to the 54 tonnes of drugs intercepted by the French navy in the area since the beginning of the year. The Gulf of Guinea, a notorious hotspot for piracy and drug trafficking, has seen multiple significant drug busts in recent months. The region serves as a critical transit point for cocaine shipments from South America to Europe. France’s Atlantic Maritime Prefecture highlighted the ‘seamless cooperation by national and international actors’ that led to this ‘remarkable seizure.’ This operation underscores the ongoing challenges and successes in combating drug trafficking in one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions.