Drama erupted at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Friday when the giant pot used by celebrity chef Hilda Baci in her Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice collapsed while being lifted for weighing.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, which occurred after nearly nine hours of nonstop cooking witnessed by thousands of food lovers, celebrities, and cultural enthusiasts.
Baci, who previously set the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, had aimed to prepare 4,000 kilograms of jollof rice — enough to feed more than 20,000 people.
The record-breaking attempt, tagged the “Gino Jollof Festival”, was celebrated as a cultural carnival showcasing Nigerian and West African food, music, and lifestyle.
However, the pot collapse has raised uncertainty over whether the feat will be formally recognised by Guinness World Records, as the final weight measurement is key to certification.
Despite the setback, Baci’s effort has drawn widespread praise across social media, with many Nigerians commending her resilience and commitment to projecting local cuisine on the global stage.
