Hilda Baci Shakes Lagos with the Biggest Pot of Jollof Rice EverCelebrity chef Hilda Baci prepared what is regarded as the largest pot of jollof rice the world has ever seen yesterday, transforming Lagos into a jollof paradise. During the Gino World Jollof Festival, the breathtaking event took place in the Eko Hotels & Suites parking lot, attracting a sizable crowd of foodies, celebrities, and interested bystanders.
Hilda Baci, today’s star, is no stranger to creating history. She is making headlines again after setting a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, this time with a specially designed pot that can hold more than 22,000 liters of food and measures roughly six meters across. With nearly 200 bags of rice, gallons of oil, heaps of tomatoes, and spices, she turned what looked like an industrial project into a mouthwatering feast.
Chefs, helpers, and drummers set the mood early on and kept the pot carefully stoked for over 12 hours. By evening, thousands of Lagos residents had arrived, hungry and ready, and plates of steaming hot jollof had been served as the aroma permeated the air. More than 20,000 people registered, according to the organizers, and many more came to experience a little bit of history.
It was a full-fledged festival, not just a food event. While Pastor Bolaji Idowu, a religious leader, led prayers at the beginning, Nollywood star Funke Akindele was seen encouraging Hilda. The enthusiasm on the ground spread on social media as other influencers and celebrities stopped by to offer their support. Even the federal government, through the Ministry of Information, sent words of encouragement, highlighting Hilda’s achievement as a moment of national pride.
Hilda Baci has undoubtedly cemented her place in Nigerian cultural and culinary history, even though Guinness World Records is still examining the attempt for official confirmation. When Lagos residents had the opportunity to eat from the enormous pot, it was more than just a meal; it was a memorable occasion that combined cuisine, music, and pride in Nigerian culture.
