Hilda Baci Begins Quest to Cook World’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice

Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci on Friday launched her attempt to prepare the world’s biggest pot of Nigerian jollof rice at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

Baci, who made history in 2023 by setting the record for the longest cooking marathon, is hosting the “Gino Jollof Festival” in partnership with the culinary and seasoning brand, Gino.

The landmark event features a custom-built pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, into which 250 bags of rice will be cooked.

Before she ignited the burners, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre offered prayers and blessings for her endeavor.

Several well-known social media influencers — including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James — were present to lend their support.

The festival has drawn huge crowds, with Gen Zs, millennials, food enthusiasts, and celebrities filling the venue.

Organisers revealed that over 20,000 people registered to attend the event, which is free and open to the public.

Promising both quality and taste, Baci assured guests that the dish would be “amazing and hygienic,” setting the stage for what she hopes will be a record-breaking celebration of Nigerian jollof rice.