The Lagos culinary scene was recently set abuzz as Habeeb Hamzat—widely known as Peller and popular for his TikTok content and streaming—visited the site of Hilda Baci’s ambitious Jollof rice cookathon. Peller, who enjoys a massive following across Nigeria’s social media landscape, had earlier disclosed his intentions to his fans via his online platforms, vowing not to miss the much-anticipated event.
True to his word, Peller turned up at the bustling venue, drawing attention both from event-goers and online admirers. A short video clip captured the vibrant online personality openly expressing his admiration for Hilda Baci. According to Peller, his appearance was not just for show—he genuinely wished to lend his support as Hilda took on the monumental task of preparing what was touted as the largest pot of Jollof rice seen in the region.
Footage shared across various online platforms showed Peller blending with the energetic crowd, eagerly watching Hilda as the massive culinary feat unfolded. The crowd, comprised of young food enthusiasts, community leaders, and fans, radiated excitement, chanting and encouraging the chef as several large bags of rice were methodically emptied into an enormous pot—arguably the visual highlight of the event. This particular segment drew gasps and applause from the audience, symbolic of the sheer scale and ambition behind Hilda’s cookathon.
The event did not go unnoticed by local media personalities. In related coverage, Radio personality Radiogad reportedly estimated that over 20,000 Nigerians flocked to the cookathon’s venue in Lagos—an assertion that stirred debate online and off. Critics noted that this impressive turnout could reflect deep-rooted issues, including food insecurity and unemployment that persist across West Africa, and suggested such gatherings highlight both cultural pride and the community’s wider social challenges.
Credit: hildabaci
Source: Twitter
Reacting to the wide coverage, Radiogad posted a video critiquing the massive turnout. She attributed much of the audience size to economic hardship—stressing hunger and unemployment as key drivers for such gatherings. Her comments generated a range of reactions across social media, reflecting Nigeria’s vibrant online debate culture.
For those unable to attend in person, several videos circulated online capturing not only Peller’s enthusiastic presence, but also the gravity-defying moment when multiple bags of rice tumbled into the extra-large pot—turning an ordinary cooking process into culinary spectacle.
The clips below highlight Peller’s interactions at the cookathon, along with the awe-inspiring rice pour:
The following Instagram video also spotlights Peller within the bustling atmosphere, alongside the showstopping rice-pouring sequence:
Another moment from the event captures Peller once again immersed in the cookathon’s lively ambiance. Watch via the official @peller089 Instagram profile:
Social Media Reacts: Crowdviews and Cultural Commentary
As expected, the cookathon became a focal point for spirited discussion across Nigerian and Ghanaian corners of social media. Netizens shared their opinions on everything from the event’s cultural impact to the technical finesse behind Hilda’s signature Jollof. Some marveled at the turnout, while others processed their thoughts on the underlying reasons behind such massive crowds at food-centered communal events. Catch some public reactions and more local color from this shared Instagram reel:
delphinejohnson254 said:
“So the rice them nor wash am?”
tee_yfabrics_store said:
“how dem wan take wash like 15bags of rice? How is dat going to be possible.”
onbecomingmore said:
“The motive behind this I guess is not to serve it to anyone but to leave a footprint as a record breaker. I might be wrong sha.”
tessymonta said:
“Una no even wash d rice.”
officialmelvinp reacted:
“Make person no sha fall inside that pot.. nah him Be my own.. a ni ri oran o.”
owolabieunice said:
“They don’t even wash the rice.”
_jollypie said:
“You see God o, the last time Hilda was doing her cookathon, peller was nobody then.”
official_forin reacted:
“Werey say na hin small glory hin dey manage.”
tolu_phina reacted:
“Wetin this boy dey Chop?”
ewatomi80592 said:
“Na una dy give dis boy liver ! If he come later Dey disrespect una make una no talk o.”
japhethakinawoniran reacted:
“Did he just say it’s so sweet? Peller that everyone claims does not know how to converse in good english.”
Spotlight on Celebrity Support: Funke Akindele Joins the Festivities
The cookathon reached another peak when beloved Nollywood actress Funke Akindele made a surprise appearance. According to event reports and viral videos that swept through WhatsApp groups and timelines, Funke electrified the crowd as she took to the podium, breaking into dance and engaging with fans. Her surprise arrival further cemented the event’s status as a cultural highlight, blending food, entertainment, and Nigerian hospitality into one unforgettable celebration.
Funke Akindele, celebrated for her roles in hit films and series, wore an ensemble crafted specifically for Hilda’s culinary challenge, matching the event’s spirited vibe. Many attendees credited her star power with lifting the atmosphere and inspiring even greater enthusiasm among participants and onlookers alike.
The phenomenon of massive crowd turnout to communal food events like Hilda Baci’s cookathon is not new to Nigeria or West Africa at large. These gatherings serve as platforms for celebrating local cuisine, fostering community spirit, and offering a reprieve from the daily grind. Some cultural analysts, such as Dr. Kehinde Akinola of the Nigerian Culinary Heritage Institute, emphasize their role in “cementing the significance of our foodways and reminding younger generations of their roots.” However, as observed by commentators like Radiogad, food insecurity and limited economic opportunities remain pressing national concerns that form a complex backdrop to these festivities.
Moreover, dishes such as Jollof rice occupy a prominent place in both Nigerian and Ghanaian hearts, sparking debates and friendly rivalry over origin, taste, and technique. Events like Hilda Baci’s cookathon not only showcase culinary skill but also contribute to ongoing conversations about food heritage and identity across Anglophone West Africa.
While communal food cookathons are a global trend (as seen in world record attempts like the world’s largest pizza or soup in the United States and Europe), the Lagos event’s deeply local flavor—bolstered by hometown stars like Peller and Funke Akindele—made it uniquely West African. The narrative it weaves goes beyond food, touching on resilience, cultural celebration, and the power of community during uncertain times. According to a 2023 UN report, Nigeria remains committed to improving food security and celebrating indigenous cuisines as part of national identity, underlining the global resonance of such events (source: FAO Nigeria).
While challenges persist—including logistics, crowd management, and safety during large gatherings—many believe that these communal events can inspire positive change and increase awareness about nutrition, local agriculture, and cultural preservation.
As food, music, celebrity culture, and digital media collided in Lagos, Hilda Baci’s Jollof rice cookathon became more than just a record-setting event—it became a window into the hopes, struggles, and unstoppable vibrancy of West African life. Whether viewed through the eyes of a social media star like Peller, a film icon like Funke Akindele, or an everyday Nigerian yearning for inspiration, this event offers lasting lessons about unity, creativity, and what brings us all together around the table.
How do you think these kinds of communal food celebrations shape local culture and community connection in Nigeria and across Africa? Would you attend a cookathon in your city, or have you ever participated in one? Share your experience below and follow us for more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people and passions transforming our communities!
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