Abike Halima Raheem, who is widely recognized as Papaya Ex, has been making headlines not just for her modeling, acting, and social media presence, but lately for supporting fellow Nigerian star Hilda Baci at a highly anticipated Jollof rice cookathon held in Lagos. The event drew significant attention from both within Nigeria and across Africa, underlining the vibrant intersection of food culture and celebrity influence in West Africa.
The cookathon, spearheaded by celebrity chef Hilda Baci, concluded with much fanfare, and it wasn’t surprising to see a host of high-profile personalities in attendance. Papaya Ex joined the ranks of well-known figures like Nollywood sensation Funke Akindele and digital creator TikTok star Peller. The presence of these influencers helped amplify the event’s reach, drawing thousands of enthusiasts and sparking lively conversation both on the ground and online.
Shortly after the cookathon, videos surfaced on social media capturing candid moments from the event. One particularly popular clip shows Papaya Ex speaking warmly about Hilda Baci during an interview at the venue. In the video, Papaya Ex paints a picture of Hilda as someone who is reserved and consciously avoids drama. This insight into the celebrity chef’s personality resonated with viewers who appreciate a grounded, controversy-free public image—still a rarity in today’s social media-driven culture.
Credit: papayaex
Source: Instagram
Her comments went beyond Hilda’s culinary skills; Papaya Ex subtly referenced Hilda’s private life, particularly hinting at her marital status, a topic that is often a source of curiosity among fans and bloggers.
“Hilda is so reserved, she doesn’t want wahala, her own is just to cook and be with her husband.”
The cookathon also featured engaging informal conversations, with Papaya Ex playfully participating in a light-hearted question: if she were a Jollof rice ingredient, what would she be? She replied palm oil, explaining that it’s an essential base for creating world-class stews and a key element in West African cuisine. Her answer reflects the enduring cultural significance of palm oil in regional dishes—a fact familiar to anyone who has tasted authentic Jollof rice, from Lagos to Accra.
“Palm oil, because it can literally make the best stew in the world; I am a forever palm oil stew girl,” Papaya Ex responded.
Enthusiasts can catch the moment Papaya Ex addressed the audience and showcased her support for Hilda Baci through the video link below. For those unfamiliar, Papaya Ex maintains a strong following on Instagram, sharing lifestyle moments and entertaining skits with over a million fans. The visibility she brought to the event contributed significantly to the energy and excitement in Lagos during the cookathon.
Visit Papaya Ex’s official Instagram here.
Watch the full video of Papaya Ex’s comments and behind-the-scenes moments at Hilda Baci’s Jollof cookathon in Lagos below:
Reactions Trail Papaya Ex’s Insight on Hilda Baci
The conversation didn’t stop at the event. Across various social media platforms, fans and critics alike chimed in with their perspectives. Some teased Papaya Ex about her knowledge of Hilda Baci’s marital status, with playful comments like, “Were you the one who gave her away in marriage?” This mix of humor and curiosity is characteristic of Nigerian online spaces, where celebrities are expected to engage with their audience and manage a delicate balance between personal privacy and public life.
Several netizens, each with their unique take, contributed to the viral momentum surrounding Papaya Ex’s remarks:
Saka said:
“dem dey use palm oil cook jollof rice.”
Oluwaniyo reacted:
“Na papaya be pastor wey join Hilda and her husband together.”
princess adebanke said:
“Hilda don marry? Whc husband Papaya.”
MATTRESS & BEDDINGS ESSENTIALS wrote:
“Palmoil is not a Jollof rice ingredient na 😒. Abi I’m not getting the message.”
XasyX said:
“I noticed in the comments section that the commenters don’t really know the value of palm oil. Palm oils stew is one of the best that as ever comes out in existence.”
Jessica Martins said:
“Una no go process question well before answering, them say jollof rice ingredients madam! Which one ne palm oil again?”
onivictory
“Wetin palm oil Dey find for jollof rice this girl na native rice Hilda cook?”
onivictory
Tejumola wrote:
“Papaya the palm oil girl stew. I know it was a slip of tongue but e funny die.”
Food, Fame, and Friendly Rivalry: The Social Dynamics of Cookathons
Events like Hilda Baci’s Jollof rice cookathon go beyond mere cooking—they serve as platforms for dialogue, connection, and even friendly rivalry between nations, especially Nigerians and Ghanaians who often playfully debate about whose Jollof reigns supreme. Such cookathons highlight not just culinary skills but also cultural pride and a shared identity across borders.
According to Lagos-based event planner Tolu Adebajo, “Food events like these are powerful. They remind us of the role that traditional dishes play in uniting people, cutting across class and tribe, and even bringing together celebrities and everyday fans on common ground.”
Gatherings like the cookathon are also opportunities for brands, local farmers, and vendors to connect with a broad audience, nurturing an ecosystem that supports small businesses and showcases the high quality of local agricultural produce. In a country where the food and beverage sector contributes over 4% to Nigeria’s GDP (according to the National Bureau of Statistics), such events resonate economically as well as culturally.
Debate Heats Up: Geh Geh Offers a Critical Perspective
While Hilda Baci’s cookathon received widespread praise and drew massive crowds, not all feedback was positive. In a video that quickly gained traction online, self-described financial expert Geh Geh voiced pointed criticism of the event. He argued that high-profile cooking competitions add little direct value to the country and questioned the focus on breaking records or garnering large followings instead of addressing pressing national issues.
Geh Geh reportedly commented that the event favored quantity over quality, pointing to the large turnout and spectacle of the cookathon as detracting from the substance of the food. While many fans disagreed with his perspective, his remarks sparked a broader discussion about the purpose and societal impact of such high-visibility gatherings.
This critical perspective isn’t new; food festivals and celebrity cookathons often attract both admiration and skepticism. Celebrated chef and culinary historian Chika Nwobi explains, “These debates are important because they push us to reflect on what we want our national food culture to represent. Is it about global recognition, economic potential, or something more meaningful to our communities?”
Globally, countries from Italy with its pasta festivals, to the US with its hot dog eating contests, stage similar events to drive tourism and cultural pride. However, the balance between entertainment, economic boost, and community benefit remains a central theme—one that Nigerian food enthusiasts will continue navigating as events like Hilda Baci’s cookathon grow in scale and ambition.
Unifying Taste Buds and Voices
At its heart, the Lagos cookathon reminds us how food and celebrity culture are deeply intertwined. Whether it’s Papaya Ex referencing the importance of palm oil in her favorite Jollof or the friendly debates that spill over into social media, these narratives reflect a dynamic and ever-evolving West African identity.
As the continent’s entertainment and culinary scenes gain global traction, more eyes are set on Nigeria—not just for its music and movies, but for the vibrant personalities like Hilda Baci and Papaya Ex who bridge tradition, stardom, and communal celebration.
With more events of this scale on the horizon, there’s little doubt that the conversations around food, fame, and cultural authenticity will keep evolving—shaped by everyday Nigerians, regional experts, and the ever-watchful global audience.
How do you think these celebrity cookathons shape our food culture and national image? Have you attended an event like this, or do you have a favorite Jollof rice recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow us for the latest updates and stories from Nigeria and across Africa!
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