In the energetic heart of Lagos, the streets recently came alive with the aroma of freshly cooked jollof rice as Hilda Baci and her team distributed plates of the beloved West African dish to delighted Lagosians. This followed her much-anticipated, record-attempt cooking marathon, cementing her place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary talents.
Hilda Baci, acclaimed for her flair in the kitchen and her engaging online presence, had previously shared on social media that she was taking on the challenge to cook what might become the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. The announcement sparked excitement across Nigeria, with food lovers and fans curious to see if she could pull off such an ambitious feat.
Originally scheduled for the famous Muri Okunola Park, the record-setting cook-out was rescheduled for September 12, 2025, at the renowned Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos—one of the city’s most prestigious venues.
Hilda Baci Brings Jollof to the People of Lagos
Footage shared by
lwd_nni on TikTok captured the heartfelt scenes as volunteers handed out generous portions of jollof rice to people lining the streets. The event quickly went viral, sparking conversations about community spirit and the power of food in bringing people together.
The viral video was captioned:
“The jollof rice from the largest pot has been shared on the streets of Lagos. The rest has been moved to Gbagada. If you’re around, stop by and get your share so it doesn’t waste.”
Watch the lively street distribution here:
How Hilda Baci Prepared for the Historic Jollof Festival
After originally planning to host the event at Muri Okunola Park, Hilda Baci and her team opted for Eko Hotel and Suites, capitalizing on its size and facilities to accommodate the grand culinary challenge. Months of planning led up to the event, and weeks prior, Hilda and her crew ran several tests to ensure the mega-pot chosen for the festival could handle such a massive cooking assignment.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Baci revealed to her followers that the gigantic pot had safely arrived at the venue by 4 am, underscoring the level of preparation involved in this world-class event.
Source: TikTok
These behind-the-scenes preparations highlighted the organizational and logistical dedication required to attempt a culinary world record—demonstrating that grand achievements rely not just on ambition, but meticulous groundwork.
Mixed Reactions as Lagosians Receive Jollof Rice
As the video of the jollof distribution made its way around social media, an avalanche of comments and reactions poured in. Many Nigerians celebrated the gesture, lauding Hilda Baci and her team for giving back to the community in such a meaningful way. Others used the moment to reminisce about their own love for jollof rice or to spark the familiar Nigeria-versus-Ghana jollof debates that often dominate West African food conversations.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions:
@Horlamilekan said:
“Y’all should stop praising her if not because of the record she’s pursuing she won’t even think of doing that also.”
@Kuddah said:
“Honestly she supposed took some of the food to the prisoners.”
@D A M £ Q said:
“If she cooked on the mainland she for no beg anyone to come eat… na that eko hotel cause came. the location no follow.”
@Johnson said:
“Fantastic. Good job. FGN should contract her to cook in every States once a month, to share to the poor!!!”
@Eguono Love said:
“Nigeria should be very proud of Hilda. I love how her hard word and passion for her craft helps others, whether that be creating jobs or sharing free food plus bringing Nigerians together. I am already looking forward to the next cooking challenge!”
@Dee said:
“100billon Maggie, eye service rice, next time plan well, copy well. from Ghana, the premium country , no size.”
These comments reflect the diversity of opinions within Nigeria’s vibrant social media community—ranging from pure joy at the communal gesture, to comedic takes and curious questions about the taste and authenticity of the jollof served.
Firsthand Account: What Happened at the Jollof Rice Festival Venue?
Amidst the buzz, a lady who attended the cooking event also shared her story online, adding a personal perspective to the unfolding narrative. She recounted her arrival at the venue and described an unexpected incident that made her reconsider staying. Though she did not go into explicit detail, her experience resonated with other netizens who chimed in with their own takes and insights after watching her account.
Netizens were quick to discuss her story, sharing their support or voicing their thoughts on the dynamics of large public events in Nigeria. Such firsthand testimonials not only add colour to the event coverage but also shine a light on the challenges of organizing major gatherings in Lagos’ urban environment.
The Bigger Picture: Jollof, Culture, and Community in West Africa
Jollof rice is more than just a meal—it’s a source of pride and friendly rivalry across West Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana frequently staking claims over the “best jollof” title. Events like Hilda Baci’s record attempt don’t just showcase culinary skill; they also foster unity and cultural celebration, as people from different walks of life come together over a shared love of food.
In recent years, food festivals have grown in popularity in Nigeria and Ghana, with celebrity chefs and local talents using these occasions to highlight regional variations on traditional dishes. According to Lagos-based culinary analyst Chinedu Okeke, “Food events like these are crucial in preserving our heritage and introducing West African flavours to a global audience.”
For many on the continent and in the diaspora, jollof rice remains a powerful symbol—a dish that brings people together and sparks both nostalgia and innovation.
What’s Next for Hilda Baci and Nigerian Food Culture?
The buzz generated by Hilda Baci’s jollof marathon has only added fuel to the ongoing interest in Nigerian cuisine, both at home and abroad. With more chefs embracing ambitious projects and food entrepreneurs turning to digital platforms, Nigeria’s food scene is enjoying unprecedented visibility. Enthusiasts hope such feats will inspire further culinary tourism and investment, while also encouraging home cooks to try local recipes using indigenous ingredients.
Ultimately, Hilda Baci’s jollof journey shows that food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a unifying force, a point of discussion, and a carrier of history. Her event might have ended, but the conversations—and the search for the ultimate jollof rice—continue, both online and around dinner tables across Africa.
Have you ever tasted Hilda Baci’s jollof or attended a food festival in Lagos? Share your experience and join the conversation!
Food brings us together—everyone has a jollof story! Got a tasty recipe, an unforgettable food experience, or an event you want to share? We want to hear from you!
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