LAGOS: Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, on Friday, September 12, officially launched her attempt to set another global milestone this time by cooking the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.
The highly anticipated event is taking place at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, under the banner of the Gino Jollof Festival, organized in partnership with leading culinary brand Gino.
To make history, Baci is working with a custom-built pot measuring six metres in width and six metres in height. Into this gigantic cookware, she plans to prepare jollof rice using 250 bags of rice alongside other traditional ingredients.
Moments before the burners were lit, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, lead pastor of the Harvesters International Christian Centre, prayed for Baci and blessed the effort, urging her to succeed in showcasing Nigerian cuisine to the world.
The atmosphere at the venue is nothing short of electric. Top social media influencers including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James were present to lend their support.
The event has already drawn massive crowds of Gen Zs, millennials, food enthusiasts, and celebrities eager to witness the record-breaking attempt firsthand.
According to organisers, over 20,000 people registered to attend the free festival, making it one of the largest food gatherings in Lagos in recent years. Baci reassured attendees that the meal would be amazing, hygienic, and truly Nigerian, promising a unique experience for everyone present.
The festival is not only about setting a record but also a cultural showcase, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as the true home of the world-famous jollof rice.
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Long queues as Baci begins the cooking feat.
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Pastor Bolaji Idowu offers prayers for success.
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Social media buzz grows as videos from the event trend online.
With her latest challenge, Hilda Baci continues to push boundaries, following her 2023 Guinness World Record triumph for the longest cooking marathon.
This time, her mission is to spotlight Nigerian cuisine on a global stage in an even bigger way.
