Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has successfully broken a second Guinness World Record by cooking the world’s largest pot of Nigerian Jollof rice on September 12, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The event drew a massive crowd of over 20,000 food lovers, celebrities, and dignitaries, all eager to witness history in the making.
The cooking marathon lasted eight hours, during which Hilda and her team poured 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 500 cartons of tomato concentrate, 750 kilograms of cooking oil, and 600 kilograms of onions into a custom-made six-metre-wide steel cauldron with a capacity of 22,619 litres. Originally, Baci planned to cook 250 bags of rice, but she scaled it down to 200 bags to stay within the 20,000-kilogram weight limit of the measuring scale and crane used to verify the record.
Speaking at the event, the 28-year-old chef shared her excitement and the meticulous planning involved: “It was challenging but exciting. My mind feels at ease. When I came up with this idea, I didn’t think of it as a world record. The goal was to feed people and celebrate Nigerian culture.” She further emphasized maintaining the authenticity of the dish, applying precise measurements and watching the cooking process closely to ensure quality.
The event, tagged the “Gino World Jollof Festival,” was not just a record attempt but also a cultural celebration. Notable celebrities such as Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, dancer Kaffy, and the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, were present to cheer on the chef, along with thousands of fans who enjoyed the specially prepared dish.
Guinness World Records acknowledged Baci’s attempt and is currently reviewing the submitted photos, videos, and other evidence to officially confirm her achievement. If ratified, this marks another remarkable milestone for Hilda Baci, who previously became the Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon in May 2023, cooking nonstop for 93 hours and 11 minutes.
Baci’s culinary journey, inspired by her mother and rooted in her Nigerian heritage and sociology studies, continues to elevate Nigerian cuisine on a global stage. She expressed her pride in “feeding the nation” and hopes the record will encourage appreciation for Nigerian food culture worldwide.
The massive pot of Jollof rice was shared freely with attendees, symbolizing not only a culinary feat but also community spirit and cultural pride. The celebration included music, dancing, prayers, and heartfelt speeches, making the event a memorable showcase of Nigerian hospitality and culinary excellence.
While the official Guinness confirmation is pending, Hilda Baci’s latest achievement already resonates as a historic feat in the culinary world, breaking boundaries and setting new standards for food celebration and charity through cooking.
