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| Hilda Baci |
On September 12, 2025, Lagos witnessed history as celebrity chef Hilda Baci embarked on her second Guinness World Record attempt: crafting the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice. The event, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, drew over 20,000 attendees food lovers, Gen Zers, millennials, and celebrities all eager to witness this audacious feat. For Baci, this wasn’t just about breaking records; it was a celebration of Nigerian culture, resilience, and culinary pride
The Vision Behind the Pot
Baci’s ambition was clear: to showcase Nigeria’s culinary dominance on the global stage. As she stated, “We are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for. It would make sense if we had the biggest pot of jollof rice”
Ingredients included:
4,000 kg of basmati rice (200 bags)
500 cartons of tomato paste
600 kg of onions
750 kg of cooking oil
168 kg of goat meat
Baci emphasized authenticity, using precise calculations to preserve the traditional jollof flavor while scaling up the recipe
The Carnival-Like Atmosphere
The event felt like a festival. Celebrities like Nollywood star Funke Akindele, influencer Enioluwa, designer Veekee James, and Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun cheered Baci on
Akindele energized the crowd with dance steps, urging women to “hustle and do something special”. Pastor Bolaji Idowu kicked off the event with a prayer, blessing the endeavor. As DJs played hits and artists like Spyro performed, the crowd danced through the night, waiting for a taste of history
A Heart-Stopping Moment: Hida Baci's Pot of Jollof Rice Collapses
The attempt wasn’t without drama. During weighing, the pot’s cover slipped, and its legs bent slightly as a crane lifted it, causing gasps from the crowd.
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| Hilda Baci pot collapse / Image Source: TVC NEWS |
Baci, visibly anxious, circled the pot as her team stabilized it. Despite the scare, the rice was safely packed into coolers and served to attendees at dawn. Social media buzzed with videos of the collapse, but Baci’s team ensured no food was wasted.
The collapse sparked debates online about the pot’s construction. Some critics argued that the aluminum material was too lightweight for such a massive load, suggesting that iron or steel would have been more appropriate . Others pointed to potential miscalculations in weight distribution or crane operation
One Facebook user commented, “The organizers should have opted for a more robust iron or steel pot, even if it would have been more expensive”
Despite these criticisms, many praised Baci’s audacity and determination.A Legacy of Record-Breaking
This was Baci’s second shot at Guinness glory. In 2023, she set the record for the longest cooking marathon (93 hours and 11 minutes), earning global acclaim and inspiring a wave of culinary attempts
. Her journey from studying sociology to becoming a chef inspired by her mother resonates with aspiring Nigerians. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo applauded her, noting, “With imagination and courage, she turned Jollof, our beloved national treasure, into a story that carried Nigeria’s culture to the world”Awaiting Guinness Verification
Guinness World Records acknowledged the attempt online, wishing Baci luck
The organization will review evidence photos, videos, and logs before confirming the record. Baci remains humble: “The goal was never just about records but about feeding people and celebrating Nigerian culture”A Symbol of National Pride
Baci’s feat transcends food. It symbolizes Nigerian innovation and collective spirit. As the Federal Minister of Information stated, it’s “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence”
For the thousands who tasted the jollof that night, it was a moment of unity a shared pride in a dish that defines West Africa
Conclusion: More Than a Meal
Hilda
Baci’s giant jollof pot wasn’t just about quantity; it was about
quality of vision. In a country often debated for its challenges, she
offered a narrative of triumph. As fans await Guinness’ verdict, one
thing is clear: Baci has already cooked her way into Nigeria’s heart one
massive pot at a time.