By Prosper Mene
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has kicked off her audacious bid to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice, drawing an unprecedented crowd of over 20,000 eager food lovers to the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
The free event, termed the “Gino Jollof Festival,” transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of culture, music, and mouthwatering aromas, as Baci and her team fired up massive burners beneath a colossal cooking pot.
The Guinness World Record (GWR) holder, who first captured global attention in May 2023 with her grueling 100-hour cooking marathon, pro bemised an “amazing and hygienic” experience that would elevate Nigeria’s beloved jollof rice to new heights. “In just a few hours, this same pot will be home to thousands of servings of Nigerian jollof history in the making,” Baci declared on social media earlier today, sharing a humorous video of herself scrubbing the interior of the giant vessel to assure fans of top-notch cleanliness standards.
The festival, organized in partnership with the seasoning brand Gino, was originally slated for Muri Okunola Park but was swiftly relocated to Eko Hotels’ expansive Car Park B to accommodate the overwhelming demand. More than 20,000 people registered for the event, forcing organizers to adapt for safety and comfort. “Your safety and comfort is so important to us,” Baci explained, highlighting that the original venue could only hold about 3,000 to 3,500 attendees far short of the massive turnout.
The ambitious cook-off aims to shatter records by preparing a single pot using a staggering 250 bags of rice, alongside heaps of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and Gino seasonings. Before the flames came to life, the event kicked off with a blessing from Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre, who offered prayers for Baci’s success.
Guinness World Records themselves sent well-wishes, tweeting “Best of luck” to the chef as she embarked on this flavorful quest.The atmosphere at Eko Hotels buzzed with excitement, featuring live entertainment, food exhibitions, cultural showcases, and interactive zones celebrating jollof as a symbol of Nigerian identity and resilience.
Celebrities and influencers, including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James, joined the throng of Gen Zers, millennials, and dedicated food enthusiasts, turning the gathering into a star-studded one.
Baci’s latest endeavor builds on her legacy, positioning Nigerian cuisine on the international stage once more.
While the pot simmers and the crowd cheers, Nigerians await this giant feast’s success in securing another spot in the record books.
