By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria’s culinary scene witnessed another historic moment on Friday as celebrity chef Hilda Baci completed her ambitious attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, drawing national and international attention.
The event, staged at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, was transformed into a festival of food, music, and culture, attracting over 20,000 registered attendees.
Guests, food lovers, and influencers gathered to witness the record-setting feat, with vendors serving diverse Nigerian snacks and dishes while medics and security personnel ensured smooth proceedings.
At the heart of the spectacle was a custom-built six-metre-wide pot capable of holding 22,619 litres of food, in which Baci prepared the jollof rice using 250 bags of rice.
Once completed, servings were shared with attendees, turning the challenge into a communal celebration.
On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed Baci’s resilience and precision, describing the achievement as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.”
Delivering the president’s message through the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Idris praised the chef’s determination:
“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.”
The minister pledged the government’s support for similar initiatives showcasing Nigerian creativity and cultural pride, urging young people to emulate Baci’s discipline and drive.
This is not Baci’s first foray into world records. In 2023, she shot to global fame after completing a 93-hour cooking marathon, a feat that earned her a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking session.
Her latest attempt comes amid the ongoing culinary rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana over jollof rice supremacy, further deepening the cultural significance of her record bid.
Although the Guinness World Records team is yet to officially certify her attempt, many Nigerians have already declared Baci’s jollof pot a victory for national pride and African creativity.
For many, the chef’s effort symbolizes not just a personal milestone but a collective triumph for Nigeria’s cultural identity on the global stage.
