Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola has publicly defended record-breaking Nigerian chef Hilda Baci against waves of negativity that followed her latest culinary feat.
It would be recalled that Hilda Baci, who first made history two years ago with her marathon cooking record, recently shut down Eko Hotel, Lagos, as she cooked what has been described as the biggest pot of Jollof rice.
The event drew notable supporters, including Funke Akindele, media personality Enioluwa, Tomike, Pastor Idowu, and Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor.
While many congratulated her, others criticised the taste of the food, sparking online debates.
Jumoke’s heartfelt reaction
Addressing the backlash in a lengthy Instagram post, Jumoke Odetola described it as “heartbreaking” that negativity often overshadows greatness.
She revealed that her timeline had been filled with posts belittling Hilda’s achievement, with some asking if cooking could be considered an accomplishment.
Jumoke stressed that dreaming big and turning it into reality requires mental, psychological, emotional, and financial preparedness.
In her words, “The Jollof Rice no sweet. I have been angry since yesterday, and if I don’t express my thoughts, I won’t be fine. It is heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness.
Since yesterday, my timeline hasn’t rested, posts, and banters everywhere, people saying things like “e no sweet”, cooking na achievement? And I keep asking – what is going on with us? What has changed in our mindset as humans?”
A call for self-reflection
The actress went further to challenge critics, urging them to privately reflect on why they felt triggered by a woman’s success.
“Now ask yourself, slowly but honestly: WHY AM I TRIGGERED BY THE SUCCESS OF A WOMAN TRYING TO MAKE A MARK IN HER FIELD? Sit with that question,” she noted.
She encouraged them to place their hand on their chest and ask themselves why they harbour bitterness towards someone striving to make a mark in her field.
Praying for healing, Jumoke wished critics peace, happiness, and freedom from past pains that may have fueled bitterness, toxicity, and hatred.
