(DDM) – Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has achieved another culinary milestone as her record-breaking pot of jollof rice reached serving stage in Lagos.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the historic feat took place on Friday night at the Eko Hotel and Suites during the Gino World Jollof Festival.
The custom-built pot, measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, with a staggering capacity of 22,619 litres, has become the symbol of the attempt.
Crowds numbering in thousands thronged the venue, with millions following updates on social media, turning the event into a national spectacle.
Earlier in the day, Baci and her team poured massive quantities of goat meat into the steaming pot, sparking viral reactions online.
By evening, the rice had been cooked and anticipation gave way to jubilation as the world’s largest pot of jollof neared completion.
The event drew a star-studded audience, with Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa, actress Tomike Adeoye, designer Veekee James, and media personality Alex Unusual all in attendance.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre prayed with Baci, declaring her achievement as a testimony of “the values of Christ in excellence.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, also praised the chef, describing the feat as a reflection of Nigerian resilience and creativity.
Over 20,000 registered guests attended the festival, underscoring the massive cultural significance of the attempt.
Baci’s team confirmed that about 250 bags of rice were used, filling nearly 80 percent of the pot, enough to feed thousands.
The event not only showcased Nigerian cuisine but also highlighted the unifying power of jollof rice, a dish central to West African culinary identity.
Baci, who famously broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, has now cemented her place as one of Africa’s most celebrated chefs.
Analysts say her achievement is more than just a record, it positions Nigeria as a global culinary hub and challenges stereotypes about African food.
The Gino World Jollof Festival also spotlighted Lagos as a hub of cultural innovation, reinforcing its reputation as the entertainment capital of Africa.
With the first servings of the record-breaking rice now prepared, Baci has once again placed Nigeria on the global stage of creativity and endurance.
Social media platforms exploded with pride, with hashtags about the jollof rice festival trending across Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Supporters described the achievement as a “national victory,” while critics debated the resources and logistics of such a massive project.
Regardless of opinion, the sight of the steaming 22,619-litre pot has etched Hilda Baci’s name deeper into Nigeria’s history books.
