Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci on Friday completed her attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, awaiting official recognition from Guinness World Records.
The event, hosted at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, attracted thousands of fans, food lovers, and creators, turning the venue into a lively festival.
Over 20,000 people registered for the occasion, with vendors offering food and drinks from different Nigerian cultures, while security and medical teams ensured smooth operations.
The feat was made possible with a specially built six-metre-wide pot capable of holding 22,619 litres of food. Baci announced that 250 bags of rice were used, with portions shared with attendees once cooking was completed.
Presidential Accolades
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed the effort as “another proof of Nigeria’s global excellence.” Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu through Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, he praised Baci’s resilience and attention to detail.
He described the attempt as “a collective national victory,” noting that her dedication exemplifies the Nigerian spirit. The minister also pledged government support for projects that promote Nigeria’s cultural and creative strength, urging youths to emulate Baci’s discipline.
Baci’s Record-Breaking Journey
Hilda Baci first gained global attention in 2023 when she set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour performance. She has since continued to showcase Nigerian cuisine internationally.
Her latest record attempt also ties into the long-standing Nigeria-Ghana rivalry over jollof rice supremacy, further fueling cultural pride.
While Guinness World Records is yet to confirm the achievement, Nigerians are already celebrating it as a victory of creativity, determination, and national pride.