jonadabugochukwu@gmail.com
Hilda Baci Sets New World Record Attempt With Largest Pot of Jollof Rice in Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria – September 12, 2025
Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Baci, already known worldwide for her Guinness World Record feat in 2023, has started another history-making attempt. Today, at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, she unveiled a giant pot designed to hold 22,619 litres of food as part of her goal to set the world record for the biggest pot of jollof rice ever cooked.
The event, filled with colour, music, and a sea of supporters, drew thousands of guests and media outlets. For Hilda, this is more than cooking. It is a statement about culture, identity, and pride in Nigerian food.
The Giant Pot and Its Capacity
The centre of attraction is a custom-made steel pot, six metres wide and six metres tall. Engineers worked on it for weeks to ensure safety and balance. The pot alone is a spectacle, standing taller than many people in the crowd.
It was built to hold 22,619 litres, a size that can serve tens of thousands of plates. According to organisers, the plan was to cook with 250 bags of basmati rice, which amounts to about 5,000 kilograms. However, due to the challenges of weight measurement, the final figure was scaled down to 200 bags, or roughly 4,000 kilograms of rice.
This pot will not be filled to the top, but the organisers confirmed it will be filled up to 80 percent of its capacity, which is still a record-breaking quantity.
A Historic Choice of Meal
Hilda chose jollof rice for the attempt. The choice is symbolic. Jollof rice is not just a meal in Nigeria. It is a dish tied to family gatherings, weddings, festivals, and national pride. It is also at the centre of a long-running rivalry across West Africa, with Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and others each claiming to make the best.
The pot will hold rice, turkey, horse meat, tomato paste, spices, and herbs like thyme, basil, ginger, and garlic. The chef promised that the dish will maintain the taste and aroma people expect from Nigerian jollof, regardless of the scale.
Why Hilda Baci Is Doing This
In her words:
“This has been my dream. I want Nigerian food to shine. I want the world to see our culture through our food. What you will eat will be clean. You will get the most amazing, hygienic meal you’ve ever eaten.”
Hilda explained that she is not doing this for fame alone. She is doing it to inspire younger chefs, to bring the community together, and to highlight the role of food in culture.
Crowd, Energy, and Atmosphere
The venue was filled with excitement. Over 20,000 people registered to attend. By midday, long queues formed around the hotel grounds. Many people arrived hours earlier just to witness the beginning.
The energy was festive. Music blared, flags waved, and chants of “Hilda! Hilda!” echoed in the air. Fans wore T-shirts with her image. Influencers streamed live on Instagram and TikTok.
One fan said:
“We must see history today. I came early so I don’t miss a bit.”
Another added:
“I want to taste that jollof. She has done great things before. This is bigger.”
Voices From the Event
Celebrities, media houses, and politicians also joined. Some praised her courage. Others focused on what this means for Nigeria.
A media reporter said:
“This is a cultural celebration. Food is more than a meal. It is identity.”
Another guest, a food blogger, commented:
“This will inspire chefs across Africa. If she can dream this big, others will try as well.”
Even Guinness World Records acknowledged the attempt, confirming they are monitoring closely and will verify results once the cooking is complete.
Hilda’s Personal Touch
Hilda showed her dedication by washing the giant pot herself before cooking began. Cameras captured her as she bent inside the vast steel structure with soap and water. She later laughed and said:
“I cannot believe how tall this pot is. But we are ready.”
She also shared gratitude:
“Now, with you, that dream is coming alive. Because what is jollof without you to share it with?”
Logistics and Challenges
Preparing such a massive project is not easy. Organisers listed several hurdles:
Construction of the pot: Engineers had to design it to withstand heat, food weight, and constant stirring.
Fuel and fire management: Cooking such a volume requires enormous amounts of heat.
Safety and hygiene: The food must remain clean and edible for thousands.
Security: With tens of thousands of people present, crowd control is critical.
Despite these issues, Hilda and her team said they were fully prepared.
Global Attention
The attempt is not just a Nigerian story. International media outlets are covering it. On social media, hashtags like #HildaBiggestPot and #JollofRecord are trending.
Messages of support came from Africans abroad, celebrities, and food lovers across the world.
One user posted:
“This is history in the making. Nigerian food is going global again.”
Another wrote:
“She is a queen of the kitchen. First, the cook-a-thon. Now this. Respect.”
Comparison With Her Past Record
In 2023, Hilda cooked for over 93 hours in a marathon that captured global attention. That effort earned her a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
This new attempt shows a different side of her ambition. Instead of endurance, it focuses on scale and community. Both records highlight her creativity, resilience, and vision.
The Role of Community
This event is not just about food. It is about people.
Hilda’s mother, herself a cook, was present to support. Family, friends, and colleagues formed part of the team.
Volunteers helped with distribution. Thousands of people will eat from the pot once cooking is done. The food is free for registered guests.
This reflects Hilda’s belief that food must be shared.
Impact on Nigerian Image
Experts say this attempt has value beyond records. It places Nigeria in global conversations about culture and creativity.
A cultural analyst noted:
“This is soft power. This is how nations tell their story without politics or war. Through food, music, art.”
Nigeria has faced negative headlines in the past. But events like this show a different face: youthful, ambitious, and proud.
What Guinness World Records Will Do
Officials from Guinness World Records are not present at the site. Instead, evidence is being collected. Videos, measurements, and witness statements will be sent for review.
If successful, Hilda will hold two world records: longest cooking marathon and largest pot of jollof rice.
Reactions Across Africa
West African neighbours are following closely. In Ghana, where the jollof rivalry with Nigeria is famous, online debates sparked. Some praised Hilda. Others teased that Ghanaian jollof still tastes better, no matter the size.
In Senegal, many food lovers also showed support, noting that large community meals are part of their tradition too.
This shows how food unites and divides in fun ways across the region.
Economic Boost
The event also brings economic benefits. Hotels near the venue reported high bookings. Vendors around the area sold drinks, snacks, and merchandise. Media crews hired transport and services.
Tourism analysts say events like this can attract more visitors to Nigeria in future.
Next Steps
The cooking will take hours. Afterward, the food will be shared. Guests will eat. Witnesses will document. Evidence will go to Guinness World Records for confirmation.
The final word may take weeks, but the impact is already here.
Symbolism of Jollof
Jollof rice represents unity. It is one dish many African countries share, though each with unique twists. By choosing jollof, Hilda speaks to millions.
The dish reminds people of joy, parties, and home. To cook it at such a scale is to say: Africa is rich, big, and generous.
Final Reflections
Hilda Baci has once again shown boldness. She has taken a dream and made it real. She has built a pot taller than herself. She has drawn thousands of people to one place.
Whether Guinness confirms or not, she has achieved something symbolic. She has lifted Nigerian food into global headlines once again.
For many watching, this is not just cooking. It is art. It is unity. It is pride.
Today, Lagos saw more than a chef. It saw a leader, a cultural voice, and a woman of vision.
