Lagos was buzzing with excitement on Friday as celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci kicked off her attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice at the Eko Hotel and Suites.
Baci, who made global headlines in 2023 after setting the record for the longest cooking marathon, is now partnering with popular seasoning and culinary brand Gino to host the “Gino Jollof Festival.”
At the centre of the historic event is a giant custom-made pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, designed to hold 250 bags of rice.
Before the cooking began, the lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, prayed for Baci and blessed the effort, while a cheering crowd looked on.
The atmosphere was electrifying as social media stars including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James showed up to support Baci.
The festival has drawn massive crowds, with Gen Zs, millennials, food lovers, and celebrities flooding the venue. Organisers revealed that more than 20,000 people registered to attend the event, which is free and open to the public.
Speaking before the challenge, Baci promised attendees a record-breaking experience, assuring them that the meal would be “amazing and hygienic.”
If successful, this attempt will not only spotlight Nigerian jollof on the world stage but also reinforce Hilda Baci’s reputation as a record-breaking chef who continues to push boundaries in the global culinary scene.
