CHEF Hilda Baci has officially begun her bid to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, with the Guinness World Records (GWR) sending its good wishes, as the attempt kicked off at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
The record body confirmed the attempt in a comment under Hilda’s Instagram post, writing: “Best of luck Hilda and team!”
Hilda, who gained international fame in 2023 after breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon, is attempting to prepare 250 bags of rice in a specially designed 22,619-litre pot.
The ICIR reported that the event was relocated to Eko Hotels to accommodate the large turnout, with over 20,000 people registered as of Thursday, September 11, to attend.
Before she began, the chef was seen praying with her mother for strength and endurance.
She later shared a playful update on social media: “Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself. In just a few hours, this same pot will carry thousands of servings of Nigerian jollof history in the making.”
Festive Atmosphere
As early as 8:30 a.m., crowds had already gathered outside the venue, and by 9:20 a.m., entry was granted to fans, media crews, and well-wishers. Although cooking had not started by 1:30 p.m., the atmosphere remained electric.
Food vendors set up stalls offering delicacies, snacks, and drinks from across Nigeria, turning the venue into a mini food fair. Content creators and influencers moved around with cameras, documenting the vibrant scene.
Excitement soared when music came on at 12:56 p.m., with many in the crowd dancing as security operatives and paramedics stood by to maintain order and ensure safety.
Voices from the ground
Nollywood actor Charles Bond, Hilda’s close friend, expressed confidence in her determination.
“One thing about Hilda is that once she’s convinced about something, she does it. I love the energy I’m seeing—everybody is excited, everybody is waiting. People are eating, and our food is getting more attention,” he said.
Similarly, Blessing Okechukwu, Creative Director of BAT Events and Chops and one of the vendors present, described the attempt as more than just about jollof rice.
“For me, this is a moment of pride, dishing out a taste of Nigeria’s unity and vibrancy to the world,” she said.
Hilda, who made headlines worldwide with her 2023 Cook-a-thon record, is hoping to etch her name in history once again, this time by giving Nigeria the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, a dish cherished as a cultural pride across West Africa.