Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has officially embarked on a new historic challenge: preparing the largest pot of jollof rice ever cooked.
The event, which kicked off at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, attracted an astonishing crowd of over 20,000 supporters who gathered to witness the culinary milestone in real time.
The attempt, originally scheduled for Muri Okunola Park, had to be relocated due to the overwhelming turnout of fans and well-wishers.
Hilda, who rose to international acclaim in 2023 for her 100-hour cooking marathon that broke the Guinness World Record for longest cooking session, is now seeking to etch her name once more in culinary history.
This time, her goal is to cook 250 bags of rice in a custom-designed six-metre-wide pot built specifically for the challenge.
The atmosphere was electric as the event began. Before stepping into the kitchen area, Hilda paused for a heartfelt prayer with her mother, asking for strength and endurance.
The emotional moment drew cheers and tears from many in attendance, underscoring the personal weight of the challenge.
Always playful and engaging with her fans, Hilda took to social media earlier in the day with a light-hearted update.
“Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself,” she wrote, adding that the same pot would soon carry “thousands of servings of Nigerian Jollof history in the making.”
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The record attempt is the centerpiece of what has been dubbed the World Jollof Festival, a large-scale celebration of food, culture, and national pride.
The festival features food exhibitions, cultural showcases, and live music performances alongside the Guinness World Record bid.
The event is also being livestreamed on multiple platforms, allowing Nigerians in the diaspora and food enthusiasts around the world to join in the excitement.
Guinness World Records officials are closely monitoring the attempt, while Hilda’s fans and supporters—many decked out in traditional attire and waving Nigerian flags—continue to cheer her on.
Attendees describe the event as more than just a record attempt; it is a cultural movement celebrating Nigerian cuisine, resilience, and unity.
Observers say Hilda’s new bid further cements her role as an ambassador for Nigerian food and culture.
By choosing jollof rice—a dish at the heart of West African cuisine and cultural pride—as the centerpiece of her attempt, she has reignited debates around ownership of “the best jollof” while simultaneously showcasing Nigeria’s culinary creativity to the world.
As the pots heat up and the rice cooks, the energy remains high among supporters who believe that Hilda Baci will once again succeed in putting Nigeria on the global stage.
Sentiel News
