By Peter Omopo | Lagos | September 13, 2025
Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has successfully completed her attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, marking another milestone in her record-breaking culinary journey.
The feat, staged at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, drew tens of thousands of spectators who registered to attend the event. Using a six-metre-wide, custom-built pot with a capacity of 22,619 litres, Baci cooked more than 250 bags of rice in an effort that is now awaiting official certification from Guinness World Records (GWR).
Congratulating her on the accomplishment, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the effort as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.” Speaking through the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the minister conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill message, praising Baci’s determination and calling her achievement “a collective national victory.”
“Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” Idris said.
He further pledged the Federal Government’s support for Baci’s initiative and other projects that showcase Nigerian talent and culture on the global stage.
The minister also applauded Baci’s meticulous preparation and adherence to hygiene standards, describing her professionalism as a reflection of “the quality and integrity that define Nigerian excellence.”
The record-setting attempt transformed the venue into a mini food festival, with food vendors, entertainers, and content creators adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Security personnel and paramedics were also on standby to ensure the safety of attendees.
Baci, 28, first rose to international prominence in 2023 after setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour, 11-minute feat. Her latest challenge, she said, was about “showcasing Nigeria as the giant of Africa through a dish that defines West African culture.”
Jollof rice, a tomato-based delicacy beloved across the region, remains a symbol of pride and rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, both of which claim supremacy in its preparation.
Guinness World Records is expected to announce in the coming weeks whether Baci’s attempt will be officially recognised.
