Renowned Nigerian chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has pledged a ₦2 million donation to support the fight for justice for late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after years of alleged sexual abuse by her guardians.

The celebrity chef, who gained international fame for her record-breaking cooking marathon in 2023, took to Instagram to announce her contribution, expressing deep sorrow over Ochanya’s story and calling for a renewed national commitment to protecting vulnerable children. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“Ochanya Should Have Been Safe, Loved, and Protected”

In her emotional statement, Hilda Baci described the young girl as someone who deserved safety and love but was instead betrayed by those who were meant to care for her.

“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,” Baci wrote.

She emphasized that honouring Ochanya’s memory should go beyond online campaigns and hashtags, calling for real-world action through funding, advocacy, and community-driven protection efforts.

“Ochanya should have been safe, loved, and protected. We can’t undo what happened to her, but we can make sure her story leads to change,” she said.

Pledging ₦2 Million for Justice

According to Baci, the ₦2 million pledge will be split between two reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work with rape and sexual abuse survivors in Nigeria. She announced that she will involve the public in choosing the beneficiaries to ensure transparency and credibility.

“To support that cause, I’m pledging ₦2,000,000 to organisations working with rape and sexual abuse survivors,” she stated.
“Please nominate trusted NGOs in the comments section so my team can review and select those most committed to the cause.”

Baci added that her goal is to not only support the ongoing #JusticeForOchanya legal campaign but also to strengthen long-term efforts that help survivors rebuild their lives.

Encouraging Public Participation

The award-winning chef also used her platform to amplify the ongoing GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting legal costs in the pursuit of justice for Ochanya. She urged Nigerians to contribute or help spread awareness if they cannot donate financially.

“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,” she encouraged.

Her message was accompanied by hashtags such as #JusticeForOchanya, #EndChildAbuse, and #ProtectOurGirls, which quickly began trending on social media following her post.

“Beyond Hashtags: A Call to Action”

Baci’s statement struck a powerful chord as she reminded the public that advocacy must translate into tangible impact.

“Honouring her memory means doing more than posting hashtags,” she wrote.
“It means showing up for those who are still here — making sure no one ever feels alone in their pain again.”

She further described her action as a collective stand for justice and compassion, urging everyone to take responsibility in the fight against abuse and systemic neglect.

“This is not just about Ochanya. It’s about every child who has suffered silently, every survivor still waiting for justice, and every community that must do better,” she added.

Public Praise and Reactions

Hilda Baci’s heartfelt gesture has drawn widespread praise across social media. Many Nigerians commended her for using her influence to advocate for justice and fund survivor support programs.

Several users described her initiative as an example of genuine celebrity activism, applauding her transparency and call for collective responsibility.

One user commented:

“Hilda Baci is setting the standard. This is what it means to use your platform for purpose.”

Another wrote:

“This story broke my heart, but Hilda’s action gives me hope. May justice be served for Ochanya.”

Remembering Ochanya Ogbanje

Late Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old student from Benue State, reportedly suffered years of sexual abuse from her guardian and his son, which led to severe health complications and eventually her death in 2018.

Her case sparked national outrage and birthed the ongoing #JusticeForOchanya movement, demanding accountability and legal reforms to protect minors from sexual violence.

Through Hilda Baci’s new pledge, the movement gains renewed momentum — transforming grief into action and remembrance into advocacy.