The Federal Government has commended Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, for her audacious attempt to set a new Guinness World Record by cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
The feat, staged at Eko Hotel & Suites under the banner of the “Gino World Jollof Festival,” drew over 20,000 registered attendees and captivated the nation.
The custom-built steel pot, fabricated over three months in South-West Nigeria, measured six metres wide and held up to 22,619 litres. Initially designed to accommodate 250 bags of basmati rice (5,000kg), the cooking quantity was scaled down to 200 bags (4,000kg) due to weighing limitations and safety concerns.
Despite the excitement, the event faced a dramatic twist when the pot collapsed during the weighing process. A crane attempting to lift the massive vessel caused its legs to buckle and the lid to loosen, prompting a temporary halt. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and thousands of servings of jollof rice were successfully distributed to the crowd.
Government officials present at the event praised Baci’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to showcasing Nigerian culinary excellence. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the effort as “a demonstration of Nigeria’s global creativity,” adding that it would inspire a new generation of young talents.
As of now, Guinness World Records has not yet confirmed the attempt, but the certification process is underway. Baci, who previously broke the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, continues to be a beacon of Nigerian pride and ambition.
The event also featured performances, food exhibitions, and appearances by influencers and celebrities, turning the record attempt into a full-blown cultural celebration. From roasted plantains to local drinks like kunu and zobo, the festival highlighted the richness of Nigerian cuisine and its growing global appeal.