Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has successfully completed her ambitious attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, marking another milestone in her rising culinary journey.
The event, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Friday, drew thousands of fans, celebrities, and dignitaries.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, congratulated Baci on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, describing her feat as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.”
“The Federal Government lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map. Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” Idris said in a message delivered by the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo.
He added that Baci’s meticulous preparation and adherence to hygiene standards reflect the professionalism and integrity that define Nigerian excellence. Idris also pledged government support for similar initiatives that promote the country’s culture and talent abroad.
The minister urged young Nigerians to emulate Baci’s discipline and creativity, noting that her record attempt would inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
“We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” he said.
Baci, who first shot to global fame in 2023 after setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour effort, took on this new challenge with a custom-built, six-metre-wide, 22,619-litre pot. She aimed to cook 250 bags of rice, serving more than 20,000 people.
Excitement built from Thursday as fans, food lovers, and media crews arrived early at the venue. Despite a delayed kickoff, the atmosphere remained festive, with live music, cultural displays, and food vendors offering a variety of Nigerian delicacies. Influencers and content creators documented the colourful scenes, while security and medical teams ensured safety.
Jollof rice, one of West Africa’s most popular dishes, has long been a source of cultural pride — and rivalry — particularly between Nigeria and Ghana. Baci’s feat has now placed the dish on the global stage in a new way, reinforcing its status as both a culinary treasure and cultural symbol.
She now awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Records to seal the achievement.
