Celebrity chef Hilda Baci, on Friday, is a step closer to another historic culinary milestone as she completes her attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, setting her sights on official recognition from the Guinness World Records (GWR).
The record-breaking effort, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, drew thousands of fans, food lovers, and content creators, transforming the venue into a vibrant food festival.
With over 20,000 people registered to attend, the atmosphere was electric as vendors offered snacks, meals, and drinks from various Nigerian ethnic groups while security officials and medics ensured a smooth experience.
The ambitious feat was achieved with a custom-built six-metre-wide pot designed to hold 22,619 litres of food. Baci announced plans to use 250 bags of rice for the challenge, with servings made available to attendees once the dish was completed.
Accolades from President Tinubu
Congratulating her on the achievement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the attempt as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.”
Speaking through the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Idris commended Baci’s resilience and precision.
On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the minister extended best wishes to the chef, stressing that her achievement represented “a collective national victory.”
“The Federal Government lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map. Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” Idris said.
He further pledged the government’s support for similar projects that showcase Nigeria’s cultural and creative excellence abroad, urging young Nigerians to emulate Baci’s discipline and hard work.
History of Chef Hilda Baci’s record attempts
Baci, who rose to international fame in 2023 after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour effort, has continued to position Nigerian cuisine on the global stage.
Her latest attempt comes against the backdrop of the longstanding culinary rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana over jollof rice supremacy, further amplifying the cultural pride associated with the dish.
As the world awaits Guinness World Records’ official confirmation, Nigerians are already celebrating the feat as a triumph of creativity, resilience, and national pride.
