Renowned celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has kicked off a bold attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.
The event began on Friday at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, drawing attention from across the country and beyond. This culinary feat is the centerpiece of the “Gino Jollof Festival,” hosted in collaboration with food brand Gino.
The massive cooking setup features a specially designed pot that stands six metres tall and spans six metres wide, capable of holding 250 bags of rice. Baci, who gained international recognition in 2023 for her record-breaking cooking marathon, is now aiming to bring global spotlight once again to Nigerian cuisine through this ambitious challenge.
Before lighting the burners, Baci received prayers and blessings from Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre. The atmosphere was electric with support from notable influencers like Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James, who were present to encourage and celebrate the moment.
The event has seen an overwhelming turnout, attracting thousands of food enthusiasts, Gen Zs, millennials, and celebrities. According to the organisers, over 20,000 people registered to attend the festival, which remains free and open to the public, creating a lively and celebratory vibe.
Hilda Baci assured attendees that the meal would not only be record-breaking but also hygienically prepared and delicious. As the pot simmers away, anticipation continues to build for what could become another major culinary milestone for Nigeria on the world stage.
