- Hilda Baci prepared the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice, using a custom six-metre-wide pot in Lagos
- Former VP Yemi Osinbajo and Ogun First Lady Bamidele Abiodun praised her creativity and courage
- The Federal Government applauded the feat as a bold showcase of Nigerian cultural excellence
Excitement continues to mount across Nigeria and beyond as culinary sensation Hilda Baci awaits official confirmation from the Guinness World Records following her latest ambitious cooking feat: preparing the largest pot of Jollof rice ever recorded.
Dubbed the “cookathon queen,” Hilda once again captured the nation’s attention on Friday with her daring attempt, which involved a custom-built cooking pot measuring a staggering six metres in width. Her endeavour drew widespread admiration from public figures, celebrities, and everyday Nigerians alike, who praised her ingenuity, courage, and cultural pride.
Among those who celebrated her effort was Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Taking to Instagram, Osinbajo penned a heartfelt message, writing:
“Hilda Baci reminded us yesterday that greatness can begin in the simplest of places, even in a pot of rice. With imagination and courage, she turned Jollof, our beloved national treasure, into a story that carried Nigeria’s culture to the world. I commend Hilda for the brilliance of her idea, for the heart behind its execution, and for attempting a Guinness World Record for the Largest Pot of Jollof Rice ever in such a creative way.”
The record attempt also witnessed the support of Ogun State’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, who rolled up her sleeves and joined Hilda as a co-chef during the marathon cooking session. Speaking to journalists at the event, Abiodun expressed her admiration for the young chef’s resolve:
“It is an incredible feat and it is encouraging. It shows that when you have a purpose in your mind, you should not be afraid or intimidated. You can achieve anything you think of despite the challenge.”
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, also acknowledged Baci’s accomplishment. Minister Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, described the event as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence,” adding that Baci’s audacious effort once again put Nigeria “on the global map.”
The 2025 event marks Baci’s second major attempt at a Guinness World Record. In 2023, she gained international fame after setting the record for the longest cooking marathon, clocking in an astonishing 93 hours in the kitchen.
Following the event, Baci spoke about her motivation for taking on this latest challenge:
“I am my mother’s daughter. Wanting to make her proud is enough motivation to keep me going. I think it is important to point out that we are not beating a record, we are creating one. This is something that has not been done before.”
While the massive pot momentarily collapsed during the cook-off — causing a stir online — the spirit of the attempt and the resilience displayed throughout continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to aim high.
As fans await official confirmation from Guinness World Records, Hilda Baci’s name remains on the lips of millions, not just as a chef, but as a cultural icon rewriting the narrative of what is possible through food, passion, and national pride.
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