It was history in the making. Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, returned to the spotlight with a bold new challenge: to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
From the moment our reporter arrived at the buzzing venue, the atmosphere was electric. Vendors lined the grounds with food and drinks, games entertained eager fans, and the crowd swelled with familiar faces from Nollywood, social media, and entertainment. It wasn’t long before the anticipation boiled over with cheers: “She’s here!”
Hilda Baci, radiant as ever, appeared before slipping into her chef’s uniform. Cameras flashed, phones stretched high into the air, and chants erupted. Celebrities including Enioluwa, Alex, Vicky James, and movie star Funke Akindele joined the celebration. Instagram and TikTok influencers kept the energy alive, streaming the event to thousands online.
At exactly 3 p.m., the giant pot came alive with steam, spices, and sizzling oil. But this was no ordinary jollof pot — it towered over onlookers, dwarfing the ones Nigerians are used to seeing online. Hilda’s challenge was not only about spectacle but also about scale.
Speaking to journalists, she explained the intricacies of the record-breaking attempt:
“When we started, we weighed the pot and we need to weigh every single thing that goes into it when we’re done. Initially, my goal was to make about 5,000 kilogrammes, hoping to reach around 17 to 18,000 kilogrammes including the pot. But since the crane and measuring device can only hold 20,000 kilogrammes at once, I had to cut back slightly to stay safe. Even at that, we’re cooking with 4,000 kilogrammes of rice — that’s 200 bags — enough to feed 20,000 people. We’re feeding the nation, Gino and I are feeding the nation.”
True to her words, coolers appeared in the crowd as Lagosians prepared to take part in the feast. The record attempt was as much about community as it was about global recognition.
Then came the moment that turned the event into a festival. Nollywood star Funke Akindele made a grand entrance, not just to support, but to thrill. She danced, vibed with the crowd, and raised the energy to fever pitch. “Phones up!” was the unspoken command as thousands of hands stretched skyward to capture the scene.
It was more than an attempt at a Guinness World Record — it was a cultural carnival. A showcase of Nigeria’s rich food tradition, its vibrant entertainment industry, and the sheer spirit of Lagos.
By the end of the day, one thing was certain: Hilda Baci had once again proven that jollof rice is more than food — it’s identity, it’s joy, and it’s history waiting to be written in Guinness World Records.
