Lagos, Nigeria — October 31, 2025
Guinness World Record–holding chef Hilda Baci has pledged ₦2 million to support the ongoing fight for justice for Ochanya Ogbanje, the 13-year-old Benue State schoolgirl who died in 2018 after years of alleged sexual abuse by her guardians.
The renowned chef and entrepreneur, who gained global fame in 2023 for her record-breaking cooking marathon, made the announcement on her Instagram page, expressing deep sorrow over Ochanya’s story and urging Nigerians to take real action to protect vulnerable children.
“As I read through her story, I couldn’t stop thinking about how many girls carry wounds like hers and are still here today, trying to find their way back to wholeness,”
— Hilda Baci, via Instagram
‘Ochanya Should Have Been Protected, Loved, and Safe’
In her emotional statement, Hilda Baci described Ochanya as a young girl who deserved safety, love, and care but was instead betrayed by those who should have protected her.
She emphasized that the movement for justice must go beyond social media awareness, urging collective efforts in funding, advocacy, and community-based protection initiatives.
“Ochanya ought to have been protected, loved, and safe. We can’t undo what happened to her, but we can make sure her story leads to change,”
— Baci added.
₦2 Million Pledge for Survivor Support
Baci announced that her ₦2 million donation would be split between two reputable Nigerian NGOs working with rape and sexual abuse survivors. To ensure transparency, she invited members of the public to nominate trusted organizations in the comments section of her post.
“To support that cause, I’m pledging ₦2,000,000 to organisations working with rape and sexual abuse survivors,”
she wrote.
“Please nominate trusted NGOs so my team can review and select those most committed to the cause.”
She further explained that her contribution aims not only to support the ongoing #JusticeForOchanya legal campaign but also to strengthen long-term survivor support systems and rehabilitation programs.
Encouraging Public Participation
In addition to her personal donation, Hilda Baci encouraged Nigerians to contribute to the existing GoFundMe campaign supporting Ochanya’s legal case. She noted that even non-financial contributions such as sharing, advocacy, and awareness are vital in sustaining the movement.
“Every contribution helps move the legal process forward and strengthens the fight for justice. And if you can’t give financially, that’s okay—you can still lend your voice,”
— Baci urged.
Her post, which included the hashtags #JusticeForOchanya, #EndChildAbuse, and #ProtectOurGirls, quickly went viral, sparking a nationwide conversation about child protection and survivor advocacy.
‘Beyond Hashtags’: A Call to Action
In what many have described as a “powerful and compassionate” message, Hilda reminded the public that advocacy must be backed by real-world change.
“Honoring Ochanya’s memory means doing more than posting hashtags,” she wrote.
“It means showing up for those who are still here — making sure that no one ever feels like they are the only ones going through their pain again.”
She framed her action as a collective stand for compassion, justice, and accountability, urging Nigerians to take responsibility for ending systemic neglect and abuse.
Public Reaction and Praise
Hilda Baci’s gesture has earned widespread praise across social media, with many users commending her transparency, empathy, and leadership.
One comment read:
“Hilda Baci is setting the standard. This is what it means to use your platform for purpose.”
Another user added:
“Hilda’s actions give me hope. Even though this story broke my heart, may justice be served for Ochanya.”
Remembering Ochanya Ogbanje
Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old student from Benue State, died in 2018 after suffering years of alleged sexual abuse from her guardian and his son. Her death sparked outrage across Nigeria and gave rise to the #JusticeForOchanya movement — a campaign demanding justice, accountability, and stronger laws to protect minors from sexual violence.
Hilda Baci’s latest pledge has breathed new life into that movement, turning remembrance into action and grief into a renewed call for justice.
