On Friday, the vibrant atmosphere at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos was palpable as Hilda Baci, Guinness World Record-holding chef and prominent food influencer, embarked on her latest culinary adventure. This time, she set her sights on cooking what could be the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice — a dish beloved not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa and among Africans in the diaspora.
From the early hours, throngs of people flocked to the venue. Reports indicate a stunning turnout featuring diverse demographics, from tech-savvy Gen Zs, spirited millennials, avid home cooks, food critics, to some of Nigeria’s most notable celebrities. The crowd’s sheer size reflected the cultural significance of jollof rice in West African society and the magnetic pull of a world record attempt by a respected culinary figure like Baci.
The scale of excitement soon overflowed beyond the hotel’s main entrance, with queues snaking far beyond both the hotel and cordoned-off event area. Attendees navigated bustling lines, many checking their registration emails or seeking help from hotel staff, to prove their advance sign-ups. Security personnel were hard-pressed to manage the swelling masses, as growing anticipation triggered moments of restlessness and impatience outside.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a festival-like mood. “I haven’t seen a food event draw this kind of crowd since the last Lagos Food Festival,” commented Tola Shonibare, a Lagos-based food reviewer who braved the line. She added, “It’s a testament both to Hilda’s influence and our collective love for jollof.” Food enthusiasts from neighboring states and countries — including some Ghanaian fans, known for their friendly rivalry with Nigerians over jollof supremacy — were also spotted in the crowd, underlining the event’s regional allure.
𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐢 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭
Guinness World Record holder and food influencer, Hilda Baci, on Friday kicked off her attempt to cook the biggest pot of Nigerian Jollof at the Eko Hotel… pic.twitter.com/J8u0WQjzjX
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch)
𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐢 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭
Guinness World Record holder and food influencer, Hilda Baci, on Friday kicked off her attempt to cook the biggest pot of Nigerian Jollof at the Eko Hotel… pic.twitter.com/J8u0WQjzjX
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) September 12, 2025
Inside the Ambitious Record Attempt
Central to Friday’s spectacle, Hilda Baci unveiled the massive, custom-fabricated cooking pot that sits at the heart of her record attempt. According to Baci, this colossal pot has an astonishing capacity of 22,619 litres (approximately 5,977 gallons), drawing gasps of astonishment from the gathered crowd when its size was revealed. Her goal is nothing less than to fill at least 80 percent of its volume with perfectly cooked jollof rice, setting a new benchmark in culinary achievement.
During an interview with local journalists, Baci shared the logistics behind her preparations. “We calculated it’ll take about 5,278 kg of raw basmati rice — roughly 264 standard bags — to reach the 80 percent mark,” she explained. “But after some adjustments, we set our sights on 250 bags to ensure even cooking and optimal quality.” Food safety consultants and experienced chefs are collaborating with Baci to maintain hygiene and monitor food temperatures throughout the marathon session, as noted by event organizers in a statement on Friday.
The Cultural Power of Jollof – More Than Just a Meal
Jollof rice holds a cherished place in Nigerian and West African cuisine. It’s central to celebrations — from weddings and birthdays to national holidays. Often considered a source of friendly competition, the “jollof wars” between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal generate passionate debate about flavor, technique, and authenticity. UNESCO recognized the dish’s significance by naming jollof rice a key part of Africa’s intangible cultural heritage.
“Events like Hilda’s have the power to unite us,” said Dr. Chris Ekong, a food historian at the University of Lagos, in a recent phone interview. “It’s not only about breaking records but about putting a spotlight on West African talent, hospitality, and our diverse food heritage.” According to the World Food Programme, events that celebrate local dishes also help promote agricultural products and rural economies in countries like Nigeria and Ghana.
A Multitude of Challenges: Safety, Logistics, and Regulation
Orchestrating a project of this scale has not been without its hurdles. Security officials faced challenges controlling the waves of people flocking to participate or spectate — a scenario that not only tested crowd management but also required a robust safety plan. Health department officers were reportedly on site to oversee food handling practices, while Lagos State officials monitored general compliance with safety protocols. According to Civil Defence representatives, no serious incidents were recorded by midday Friday, but the sheer density of the crowd prompted additional safety warnings for attendees.
The logistical effort behind sourcing, transporting, and preparing over five thousand kilograms of rice, tonnes of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and traditional spices has been described by event coordinator Adaeze Okoro as “the largest coordinated communal cooking effort in Nigeria this year.” Dozens of volunteers from Lagos and neighboring Ogun State were seen working shifts to prep ingredients, tend to the cooking, and help with event organization throughout the day.
Local Reactions and Broader Global Resonance
On social media platforms, Nigerians and other West Africans have been abuzz with commentary, memes, and support for Baci’s endeavour. Many hail her as a role model for aspiring chefs, while others engage in friendly banter over which country makes the “original” jollof. Ghanaians, whose variants include subtle differences in spice blends and cooking technique, joined the conversation with humor and pride. [[EMBED_0]] [[EMBED_1]]
Several African food bloggers and diaspora groups have covered the event, linking it to a larger movement that seeks to spotlight African cuisine globally. According to chef and blogger Abena Kyei of Accra Eats, “Such high-profile events help dismantle stereotypes about African food as merely ‘ethnic’ or ‘exotic’ and put our dishes on the world culinary map.” [[EMBED_2]]
Comparisons and Previous Records
While there have been other grand jollof rice cook-offs in the region, this attempt stands out for its ambition, scale, and visibility. In 2022, Ghanaian chef Failatu Abdul-Razak completed a record-breaking jollof cook-a-thon that made headlines in Accra and beyond, yet the size of Baci’s custom pot appears to dwarf previous efforts. International observers from the Guinness World Records and the World Food Tourism Association have reportedly been notified, with official adjudication expected to follow standard protocols.
Economic Impact and the Business of Food Influencing
Major events such as this can spur local commerce — from hotels, vendors, and taxi operators to the growing ecosystem of food content creators and influencers in Nigeria and across West Africa. With the food industry contributing billions of dollars annually to Nigeria’s GDP, experts believe that such high-visibility occasions help drive tourism, job creation, and entrepreneurship. Lagos State officials have noted that the international media spotlight generated by Baci’s record attempt could further benefit the region’s image as a culinary destination.
Looking Ahead: Legacy, Lessons, and Community
Regardless of the outcome, the event offers powerful lessons in teamwork, innovation, and the capacity of food to bring people together. For Hilda Baci, this isn’t just about setting records but fostering pride in African cuisine and providing a platform for future chefs and creators. As the aroma of hundreds of bags of rice, spices, and fresh vegetables filled the Lagos air, the event became a festive reminder of the enduring power of jollof — and of community.
What do events like Hilda Baci’s mean for the future of food culture in Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider African continent? What’s your favorite style of jollof — and which country do you think makes it best? Share your thoughts and food stories in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us for all the latest updates on record-breaking food events across Africa!
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