Hilda Baci Lights Up Lagos with World’s Biggest Pot of Jollof Rice

September 12, 2025 | Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos

The atmosphere in Lagos turned electric on Friday as celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, officially commenced her daring attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.

A Dream Bigger Than a Pot:

At the heart of the “Gino Jollof Festival,” a giant pot – six metres wide and six metres tall – stood like a monument of ambition. Into it will go 250 bags of rice, mixed with fresh peppers, tomatoes, spices, and passion.

“This is not just about food,” Baci said before lighting the burners. “It’s about showing the world that Nigerian jollof is our pride, our story, and our unity.”

Faith and Fire:

Moments before the historic cook-off began, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre prayed over Baci’s effort, blessing her with strength, excellence, and success. The crowd bowed their heads in reverence before erupting into applause as the burners were lit.

The Festival Spirit:

The event drew an overwhelming crowd, with over 20,000 people registered to attend. Gen Zs waved flags, millennials captured TikToks, and celebrities like Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James cheered her on.

The festival, free and open to the public, became a melting pot of culture, music, food, and collective pride.

Cooking History:

Baci, who already holds the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon set in 2023, expressed confidence that this new challenge will “be amazing, hygienic, and unforgettable.”

As she stirred the pot with a ladle taller than herself, the crowd roared, their cheers rising like steam. In that moment, Lagos knew this was more than rice – it was history being seasoned with courage.

“Today,” Baci declared, “we prove again that dreams as bold as giant pots can be stirred, seasoned, and shared with the world.”

ADPLAGOS MEDIA