Hilda Baci’s Largest Jollof Record Attempt: Inside the Culinary Spectacle That Captivated Nigeria

In a celebration of Nigerian culture and culinary pride, celebrity chef Hilda Baci has embarked on another Guinness World Record attempt, this time aiming to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.

The event, dubbed the #GinoworldJollofFestwithHildaBaci, has taken over Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, drawing massive crowds of supporters, including celebrities, influencers, and food enthusiasts.

With a specially constructed 22,619-litre pot and a target of cooking 200 bags of rice, Baci’s latest endeavor is more than a culinary feat; it’s a cultural moment that has Nigerians buzzing with excitement.

Following her record-breaking 93-hour cooking marathon in 2023, Hilda Baci has once again stepped into the spotlight to push the boundaries of her craft.

This time, the focus is on jollof rice, a dish that holds immense cultural significance across West Africa and is the subject of a long-standing (and friendly) rivalry.

For months, the build-up to the event generated significant anticipation. Baci and her team meticulously planned every detail, from designing the massive, six-meter-tall pot to sourcing 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice.

The logistical challenges were immense, requiring a team of over 300 culinary experts and technicians to pull off the ambitious project.

The event has attracted widespread attention, with over 20,000 people registering to attend.

The overwhelming demand led to a venue change from the smaller Muri Okunola Park to the more spacious Eko Hotels and Suites to accommodate the massive turnout.

On September 12, 2025, the festival officially kicked off, marked by prayers from Pastor Bolaji Idowu and cheered on by a sea of enthusiastic supporters.

While the sheer scale of the cooking attempt is impressive, the event has evolved into a vibrant cultural festival. Beyond the massive pot of rice, attendees are experiencing a celebration of Nigerian music, food, and community.

Food vendors are serving up a variety of Nigerian delicacies, influencers are capturing the energy on social media, and a festive atmosphere fills the air.

This record attempt is a powerful statement of Nigerian resilience, creativity, and national pride, projecting the country’s positive image to the international community.

The festival atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of prominent figures. Nollywood star Funke Akindele was seen helping Baci stir the massive pot, and the federal government pledged its support for the endeavor.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, praised Baci, emphasizing that her efforts project Nigerian excellence globally.

This support from both celebrities and the government underscores the national importance of this culinary event.

Hilda Baci’s journey to this moment is one of passion and determination. Her 2023 cook-a-thon captivated the world and inspired countless young Nigerians to pursue their dreams.

The attempt was so popular it temporarily crashed the Guinness World Records website due to an overwhelming number of visitors.

With this new attempt, she continues to solidify her status as a cultural icon and a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.

Her motivations are clear and deeply rooted in her national pride. As she explained to BBC News Pidgin, “Nigeria doesn’t carry last”.

By aiming for the largest pot of jollof rice, she aims to re-assert Nigeria’s position as the “Giant of Africa” and showcase the country’s vibrant culinary traditions to the world.

Beyond the spectacle, the event serves a larger purpose. Baci has emphasized that the massive serving of jollof rice would be distributed to the attendees for free, ensuring that thousands can share in the celebration.

This act of generosity adds a humanitarian element to the record attempt, demonstrating that the event is not just about breaking a record but also about sharing and community.

The choice of jollof rice is also significant.

The friendly “jollof wars” between West African countries have made the dish a symbol of cultural pride and culinary excellence.

By attempting this record, Baci is not only celebrating Nigerian jollof but also contributing to the broader culinary conversation around this iconic West African dish.

The ingredients themselves are a testament to Nigeria’s rich agricultural produce, with thousands of kilograms of tomatoes, onions, spices, and oil going into the final masterpiece.

What Happens Next?

As the cooking continues, the world watches with anticipation.

The record attempt, if successful, will not only be another feather in Hilda Baci’s cap but also a source of national pride for Nigeria.

It is a powerful reminder that Nigerian excellence can shine on the world stage, one delicious pot of jollof at a time.

While the public can celebrate the spectacle immediately, the final confirmation from Guinness World Records will be the official culmination of this impressive culinary feat, likely to follow in the coming weeks or months after a thorough review of evidence.

The #GinoworldJollofFestwithHildaBaci is already a success in the eyes of many Nigerians, not just for the record, but for the shared joy and national pride it has fostered.