The atmosphere at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, was charged with excitement on Friday as fans, food lovers, and media crews gathered to witness celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s latest Guinness World Record attempt — cooking the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice. The event, which drew thousands, has already transformed the venue into a lively food festival filled with anticipation and celebration.
According to organizers, more than 20,000 people registered to attend, with eager fans lining up for entry as early as 8:30 a.m. Access was granted around 9:20 a.m., though the actual cooking had yet to begin by early afternoon. Baci, who plans to use 250 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-litre pot, aims to etch her name once again in the Guinness World Records, following her globally acclaimed 2023 “Cook-a-thon” that showcased her resilience and culinary expertise.
The venue brimmed with activity as food vendors showcased a variety of Nigerian delicacies, snacks, and drinks, representing the nation’s cultural diversity. Music, which came on shortly before 1 p.m., lifted spirits even higher, with many attendees dancing as content creators and influencers captured the vibrant scenes for their platforms. Security personnel and medical teams were strategically placed across the grounds to maintain order and ensure public safety.
Celebrities and entrepreneurs also turned up in support of the chef. Nigerian actor Charles Bond, a close friend of Baci, described her as a determined achiever, praising the energy and excitement among the crowd. Similarly, Blessing Okechukwu, Creative Director of BAT Events and Chops, who participated as a vendor, highlighted the symbolic nature of the event, noting that it represented not just Jollof rice, but Nigeria’s unity, vibrancy, and cultural pride being shared with the world.
For Hilda Baci, this latest endeavor is more than a culinary challenge; it is another opportunity to place Nigerian cuisine in the global spotlight. As Jollof rice remains a cultural staple and a point of pride across West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, her attempt is already inspiring national celebration and anticipation of another record-breaking feat.
