Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has inched closer to another remarkable milestone after successfully completing her attempt to prepare the largest pot of jollof rice in the world, while awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records (GWR).
A Festival of Food and Culture
The event, which took place on Friday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, turned into a grand food festival. Thousands of guests including fans, food enthusiasts, and content creators filled the venue to witness the historic culinary challenge.
With more than 20,000 registered attendees, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Vendors showcased delicacies and drinks from different Nigerian ethnic groups, while security operatives and medical teams worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The Record Attempt
To achieve the ambitious feat, a custom-built pot measuring six metres in width capable of holding 22,619 litres of food was designed specifically for the cook-off. Chef Baci announced that about 250 bags of rice would be used for the dish, with portions shared among guests once cooking was completed.
Presidential Commendation
Her efforts did not go unnoticed at the highest levels of government. In a congratulatory message delivered by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the chef was praised for showcasing Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
The statement, conveyed through the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, hailed Baci’s determination, resilience, and precision.
“The Federal Government celebrates Hilda Baci’s extraordinary accomplishment in placing Nigeria once again on the global map. Her commitment to excellence and tireless drive for success reflect the true Nigerian spirit admired worldwide,” the minister said.
Idris also pledged continued government support for initiatives that highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative industries, encouraging young people to emulate Baci’s discipline and hard work.
Hilda Baci’s Record-Breaking Journey
Hilda first made global headlines in 2023, when she set the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon, clocking an impressive 93 hours in the kitchen. That achievement made her a household name across Nigeria and a symbol of resilience for many youths.
Her latest attempt at cooking the largest pot of jollof rice carries not only personal ambition but also national pride. It comes amid the ongoing culinary rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana over who truly owns the crown for the best jollof rice, further fueling the cultural significance of her record bid.
Awaiting Guinness Confirmation
Although Guinness World Records has yet to issue official certification, Nigerians are already celebrating the attempt as a victory. For many, it is not just about the numbers—it is about the story of creativity, perseverance, and national pride embodied in Chef Hilda Baci’s journey.
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