Hilda Baci Completes Guinness World Record Attempt with Largest Pot of Jollof Rice in Lagos
Kehinde Adeleye
Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has successfully completed her much-anticipated Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice.
The record-setting feat took place in the early hours of Saturday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Akwa Ibom-born culinary star revealed that the dish was made with 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 500 cartons of tomato concentrate, 750 kilograms of oil, and 600 kilograms of onions, all cooked in a specially designed steel pot six metres wide.
Although the original plan was to cook 250 bags of rice, Baci explained that she reduced it to 200 bags to avoid exceeding the 20,000-kilogram weight capacity of the measuring equipment.
She was supported by ten assistants in red uniforms who stirred the massive meal with giant wooden paddles, while DJs and live performances kept the crowd entertained throughout the festival, tagged the Gino World Jollof Festival.
The event drew dignitaries including Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun and stars such as Funke Akindele, Bambam, Tomike Adeoye, Alex Unusual, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, TikTok creator Peller, and Afrobeats singer Spyro.
Speaking at the event, Funke Akindele praised Baci’s courage and encouraged women to chase big dreams. “You can look beautiful, but you must hustle and do something special for yourself,” she said, receiving loud cheers.
The Federal Government also lauded Baci’s effort, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, describing it as another example of Nigeria’s excellence on the global stage.
Overwhelmed by the wave of support, Baci broke down in tears at one point after reading online messages of encouragement.
