In a spectacle that has captivated the nation and drawn international attention, celebrity chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, known professionally as Hilda Baci, embarked on her latest record-breaking endeavor on Friday, attempting to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice using an ambitious 250 bags of rice.
The high-stakes culinary challenge is taking place at the prestigious Eko Hotel in Lagos, after organizers were forced to relocate from the originally planned Muri Okunola Park due to overwhelming public interest. More than 20,000 people registered to witness what many are calling a historic moment for Nigerian cuisine on the global stage.
Baci, who rose to international prominence in 2023 when she shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, appeared confident yet reverent as she prepared to tackle her newest challenge. In a touching pre-event moment that resonated deeply with spectators, the renowned chef was seen sharing prayers with her mother, seeking “divine strength, protection, and endurance” for the grueling task ahead.
The emotional scene drew thunderous applause from the crowd, with many attendees acknowledging the pivotal role Baci’s mother has played throughout her culinary journey to stardom.
“Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself,” Baci declared on social media hours before the attempt began. “In just a few hours, this same pot will carry thousands of servings of Nigerian Jollof history in the making.”
The spiritual significance of the event was further emphasized when the lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, offered special prayers and words of encouragement to Baci moments before the historic cookout commenced, blessing her ambitious bid to claim yet another Guinness World Record.
The massive undertaking represents more than just a culinary feat—it’s a celebration of Nigerian culture and the beloved jollof rice dish that has become synonymous with West African cuisine. If successful, Baci’s record will not only showcase Nigerian culinary excellence on a global platform but also demonstrate the power of food to unite communities and create lasting memories.
As the cooking commenced before the energetic crowd of supporters, fans, and media personnel, all eyes remained fixed on whether Nigeria’s culinary queen could once again make history, this time with what promises to be an unprecedented serving of the nation’s most cherished dish.
The attempt is expected to continue for several hours as Baci and her team work to prepare what could become the world’s largest single pot of jollof rice, potentially feeding thousands while cementing her status as one of Africa’s most celebrated culinary ambassadors.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has launched her second major Guinness World Record attempt, this time aiming to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice using 250 bags of rice at Lagos’s Eko Hotel.
The 2023 record-holder for the longest cooking marathon drew over 20,000 registered spectators to witness this celebration of Nigerian cuisine.
