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DJ Cuppy Hails Marriage as the ‘Most Important Contract’ After Sister’s Wedding Celebrations ‎

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By Prosper Mene

‎Nigerian disc jockey and billionaire heiress Florence Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, has sparked widespread conversation by describing marriage as the “most important contract you will ever sign,” with God as the ultimate witness. 

‎The 32-year-old entertainer shared her traditional views on the institution during an ongoing reflection on her younger sister Temi Otedola’s recent wedding to Afrobeat singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, professionally known as Mr Eazi.

‎In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cuppy wrote, “Call me old school, but I see marriage as the most powerful partnership in life. Maybe even the most important contract you will ever sign… with God Himself as the witness.” She further elaborated that witnessing Temi become “Mrs. Ajibade” reaffirmed her belief that “marriage is far from outdated,” adding that it fosters purpose, love, family, and legacy when entered with the right partner.

‎ The statement, posted amid celebrations of the high-profile August wedding, has garnered thousands of likes, reposts, and replies, blending admiration with debate.

‎ ‎DJ Cuppy, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has been vocal about her personal journey toward marriage. Following her high-profile engagement to British boxer Ryan Taylor in 2022, which ended in 2023, she has repeatedly expressed a desire to find lasting love, even humorously noting in July that she “keeps reminding God” of her single status whenever she sees wedding photos online. ‎

‎ ‎The Otedola sisters’ wedding, held last month in a lavish ceremony, has been a family affair, with Cuppy actively sharing glimpses of the event on social media. Temi, an actress and fashion influencer, and Mr Eazi, known for hits like “Skin Tight,” have been together for years, making their union a celebrated milestone in Nigeria’s entertainment circles.

‎However, critics questioned her authority, pointing to her past breakup and single status. Remarks such as “How can Cuppy be doing marriage counseling when she hasn’t experienced marriage before?” and “Cuppy, kindly wait for your time before becoming a marriage counselor” have fueled debates on the feasibility of her advice in modern dating.

‎Others speculated about underlying emotions, suggesting the post might stem from seeing her younger sister marry first.

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‎Nigerian Actress BamBam Urges Couples to Abstain from Intimacy Until Marriage Commitment ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Nollywood actress and former Big Brother Naija star Bamike Adenibuyan, popularly known as BamBam, has advised dating couples to avoid physical intimacy until they are certain about marriage. She revealed this on her husband’s podcast.

‎The 36-year-old entertainer emphasized that withholding sex during courtship can foster stronger emotional foundations and prevent potential heartbreaks.

‎Speaking on The Echo Room podcast hosted by her spouse, musician Tope “Teddy A” Adenibuyan, BamBam shared her perspective on modern relationships, drawing from her own experiences. “I would advise anybody dating, if you can keep sex out of the mix till you’re sure of getting married, just do it,” she stated, referencing biblical principles like “keep the bed undefiled.” She further recommended premarital counseling and ensuring emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual readiness before tying the knot.

‎BamBam, who rose to fame as a housemate on the 2018 season of Big Brother Naija, met Teddy A during the show. The couple welcomed their first child shortly after, which reportedly influenced their decision to marry in 2019.

‎Reflecting on their union, she admitted it hasn’t been a “fairy tale,” revealing moments of doubt and challenges in the early years. “But I held on to God and his promises for my marriage,” she added, crediting Teddy A’s growing faith and personal relationship with God as crucial in strengthening their bond.

‎Therapy, open communication, and mutual respect have also been key, she noted, turning trials into opportunities for growth.

‎The advice received mixed reactions online, with some netizens praising her honesty and others questioning it given her own history of premarital pregnancy.

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Activist Briggs Slams Tinubu, Says Rivers People Neglected in Emergency Rule Suspension

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to lift the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, prominent activist Ann Eaton Briggs has accused the federal government of failing to deliver any tangible benefits to the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta state. 

‎The suspension of emergency rule, effective from midnight on September 17, 2025, restores democratic governance and reinstates Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their positions as of today, September 18.

‎Briggs, a vocal civil society figure known for her advocacy on environmental and governance issues in the Niger Delta, described the emergency period as a “missed opportunity” that prioritized political maneuvering over the welfare of Rivers residents.

‎ “Tinubu has not favored Rivers people,” she stated emphatically in an interview with Vanguard Newspapers, arguing that the federal intervention exacerbated existing tensions without addressing core challenges like infrastructure decay, youth unemployment, and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.

‎The emergency rule was imposed on March 18, 2025, amid a severe political crisis that paralyzed state governance. A bitter feud between Governor Fubara and a faction of the State House of Assembly, split between a pro-governor group of four lawmakers and a pro-Speaker bloc of 27 prevented the passage of key legislation, including the state’s appropriation bill.

‎This impasse, coupled with reports of vandalism targeting critical oil infrastructure, prompted President Tinubu to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, suspending elected officials and appointing a sole administrator, retired Naval Chief Ibok Ete-Ibas, to oversee affairs.

‎In his announcement on September 17, Tinubu defended the measure as a necessary step to avert “anarchy and insecurity,” citing a Supreme Court judgment that had declared Rivers State effectively without a functioning government. He praised the National Assembly for swiftly approving the declaration and commended traditional rulers and residents for their cooperation during the period, which saw over 40 legal challenges filed in courts across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa. “It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation,” Tinubu said, adding that intelligence reports now indicated a “groundswell of new understanding” among stakeholders, signaling readiness for democratic resumption.

‎However, Briggs dismissed these claims, asserting that the emergency rule served more as a tool for federal control than genuine stabilization. “During these six months, we saw no significant investments in our roads, hospitals, or schools.

‎The oil pipelines were supposedly protected, but our communities continue to suffer from spills and pollution without federal remediation efforts,” she told reporters. She further criticized the lack of inclusive dialogue, noting that civil society groups and local women, who protested the initial suspension, were largely sidelined. “This was not about favoring Rivers people; it was about consolidating power. The restoration today is welcome, but it comes too late for the trust that has been eroded.”Public reactions have been mixed.

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Saudi Arabia Releases Three Nigerian Pilgrims Detained Over Alleged Drug Trafficking After Diplomatic Push ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Saudi Arabian authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims who were wrongfully detained in Jeddah for over a month on allegations of drug trafficking. 

‎The release, confirmed by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday, follows intensive investigations and high-level interventions by the Nigerian government, highlighting the perils of drug syndicates targeting unsuspecting travelers.

‎The pilgrims, identified as Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi (a 39-year-old mother of five), Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, were arrested upon arrival in Jeddah on August 6, 2025, after completing their lesser Hajj pilgrimage.

‎They had traveled on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano.

‎NDLEA investigations revealed that a criminal syndicate at the airport had planted illicit drugs in bags tagged with the pilgrims’ names, framing them for trafficking. Each pilgrim had checked in only one personal bag, making the setup particularly insidious. ‎

‎The ordeal began when families of the detainees lodged complaints with NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), prompting a swift probe. The investigation led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Abubakar (aka Bello Karama), and three accomplices, including airline officials Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.

‎Confessors admitted to smuggling the drug-laden luggage aboard the flight, with Karama traveling separately on Egypt Air. Evidence, including traced payments, proved the pilgrims’ innocence.

‎Armed with this evidence, Marwa engaged Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) through multiple channels, including visits to the Kingdom, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian should suffer unjustly abroad.

‎The effort received backing from key officials, including Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Nigerian Consul General in Jeddah, Amb. Ibrahim Nayaya. One pilgrim was released on September 14, 2025, with the other two freed the following day.

‎NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, announced the development at a press conference in Abuja, stating the pilgrims would soon return home. Marwa commended the Saudi GDNC for upholding the agencies’ Memorandum of Understanding on anti-drug collaboration and praised President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians overseas. “This case underscores the biggest support from President Tinubu, who ensures every Nigerian gets respect and fair treatment worldwide,” Babafemi quoted Marwa as saying.

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‎ ‎BBNaija Star Vee Vows: “I Won’t Let the Wrong Man Get Me Pregnant”

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Big Brother Naija alumna Victoria Adeyele, popularly known as Vee, has ignited conversations on social media and women’s empowerment with a candid declaration about her approach to relationships and family planning.

‎ In a recent interview, the 30-year-old singer and reality TV star emphasized her determination to avoid unplanned pregnancies with unsuitable partners, stating, “I won’t let the wrong man get me pregnant.”Vee, who gained widespread fame as a housemate in the fifth season of BBNaija (Lockdown) in 2020, where she finished as the fifth runner-up, has built a successful career in music, fashion, and content creation post-show.

‎Known for her bold personality and advocacy for self-love, the Edo State-born entertainer shared her views during a discussion on personal boundaries and reproductive choices. “I’ve seen too many women rush into motherhood with the wrong person, and it changes everything,” Vee explained. “I’m all about protecting my future, my body, and my heart. No one should settle for less.”The statement, which has gone viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, resonates with many fans amid ongoing debates about gender roles, contraception, and modern dating in Nigeria.

‎Vee, who has been in a high-profile on-and-off relationship with fellow BBNaija star Neo Akpofure since their time in the house, highlighted the importance of mutual respect and readiness in partnerships. “It’s not about being afraid; it’s about being smart,” she added, encouraging young women to prioritize education, career, and emotional maturity before starting a family.This isn’t the first time Vee has addressed personal topics publicly.

‎In recent years, she has spoken openly about body positivity, mental health, and the pressures of fame.

‎ Fans have praised her for the relatable advice, with one supporter tweeting, “Queen Vee speaking facts! Protect yourself, ladies. #VeeIye”However, the comment has also drawn some criticism from conservative voices online, who view it as promoting promiscuity.

‎Vee has yet to respond to the backlash, but her team confirmed the authenticity of the quote from the interview conducted with a popular lifestyle podcast.

‎As a role model for many young Nigerians, Vee’s words is a reminder of the evolving conversations around women’s autonomy in a society where traditional expectations often clash with personal aspirations.

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Chef Dammy Celebrates Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record for Largest Pot of Jollof Rice ‎ ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Chef Damilola Adeparusi who is widely known as Chef Dammy, has publicly congratulated Hilda Baci for securing the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of jollof rice, a beloved Nigerian dish.

‎The milestone, verified by Guinness World Records on September 15, 2025, ignited nationwide pride and added a new chapter to the playful West African “jollof wars.”

‎On September 12, 2025, Hilda Baci, the 28-year-old chef who rose to fame with her 2023 93-hour cooking marathon record, led a team in Victoria Island, Lagos, to prepare an extraordinary 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) of Nigerian-style jollof rice.

‎The massive dish, cooked in a custom 23,000-liter steel pot over nine hours, required 1,200 kg of gas, 4,000 kg of basmati rice, 600 kg of onions, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 164 kg of fresh goat meat, and 220 kg of Gino Asun and peppered chicken cubes for seasoning.

‎Sponsored by the Gino brand, the event drew thousands of spectators, including Nollywood star Funke Akindele, and featured music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere.

‎The jollof rice was distributed to the crowd, ensuring no waste, and symbolized community and culinary pride. “This record is for Nigeria, for Africa, and for everyone who believes food brings us together,” Baci posted on social media, celebrating the collective effort.

‎Chef Dammy, who gained attention in 2023 for her 120-hour cook-a-thon attempt shortly after Baci’s marathon, shared a video message on September 17 congratulating her peer. “Big congratulations to Hilda Baci for cooking the biggest pot of jollof rice to feed thousands,” Dammy said, praising the achievement as a victory for Nigeria’s culinary scene. She also noted sending private congratulations and thanked Gino for supporting the event. Addressing online buzz suggesting she might attempt a similar record, jokingly speculated as the largest pot of beans, Dammy clarified, “I’m focused on building my brand and mentoring others, not chasing another record.”

‎The gesture has stirred varied reactions online. While some netizens praised Dammy’s sportsmanship, others continued the lighthearted rivalry narrative that has followed the two chefs since 2023.

‎Baci’s record showcases Nigeria’s culinary talent and also strengthens its stance in the west African debate over the best jollof rice.

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Kenya Court Orders Arrest of UK Citizen in 2012 Murder of Young Mother ‎ ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎In a major breakthrough after over a decade of anguish and diplomatic friction, a Kenyan court has issued an arrest warrant for a British citizen linked to the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old single mother found dead in a septic tank.

‎The court’s decision breathes new hope into a painful case that has weighed heavily on Agnes Wanjiru’s family and tested ties between Kenya and the UK, especially concerning the behavior of British soldiers stationed in the region. On Tuesday, Nairobi High Court Judge Alexander Muteti issued an arrest warrant for a British citizen living in the UK, based on compelling evidence tying them to the heartbreaking murder of Agnes Wanjiru. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) shared that the evidence clearly points to this individual, leading the judge to call for their arrest and trial in Kenya. The ODPP announced on X that steps toward extradition would begin to bring the suspect to face justice in a Kenyan court, with the next hearing set for October 21, 2025.

‎Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother to a four-month-old baby, was last seen alive on March 31, 2012, enjoying an evening with British soldiers at the Lion’s Court Hotel in Nanyuki, a town hosting the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). Tragically, her body was found two days later in a septic tank at the hotel, bearing signs of brutal violence—she had been beaten, stabbed, and likely still alive when left there, according to a 2019 Kenyan inquest. The horrific nature of her death and the involvement of foreign soldiers drew global attention to her story.

‎For years, Agnes’s family has carried the heavy burden of grief, frustrated by slow-moving investigations. A 2021 report by The Sunday Times revealed a British soldier had admitted to others about the killing and even showed them her body, yet no action followed after the matter reached military superiors. Kenya’s own investigation, started in 2019, struggled to move forward until new evidence recently paved the way for this week’s court action. Agnes’s older sister, Rose Wanyua Wanjiku, shared her family’s relief with AFP, saying, “We’re overjoyed after so many years of waiting. This is a step forward, and we pray for justice.” At a quiet gathering in Nanyuki, another family member clutched a photo of Agnes, holding onto hope for closure.

‎The British government responded carefully, with a spokesperson affirming their commitment to supporting Kenya’s pursuit of justice for the 2012 murder, while noting they could not comment further due to the ongoing case. In the past, the UK has challenged Kenya’s authority to prosecute its soldiers, creating tension between the two nations. The BATUK base in Nanyuki brings economic benefits to the area but has faced criticism for alleged misconduct by soldiers, including violent incidents.

‎This case mirrors the deeper concerns about how local communities are treated by foreign troops. Activists and rights groups in Kenya have long demanded accountability, pointing to a pattern of violence against women linked to the British military presence. “This warrant is more than about one person—it’s a message that no one is above the law,” said a member of a Nanyuki women’s rights group, speaking anonymously.

‎For now, the court’s action offers a ray of hope in a tragedy that has left deep scars in Kenya.

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Tinubu Applauds Nigerians Farouk Gumel and Tobi Amusan for Global Success ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎President Bola Tinubu has praised two Nigerians, Farouk Gumel and Tobi Amusan, for their outstanding international achievements, saying they have made Nigeria proud.

‎In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu congratulated Farouk Gumel for his new role as Chairman of the Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Limited.

‎He called the appointment a great honor, reflecting Gumel’s expertise in global finance. “His leadership brings pride to Nigeria, and I know he will do well,” Tinubu said.The President also celebrated Tobi Amusan, who won a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, with a time of 12.29 seconds.

‎ Amusan, the current world record holder in the event, continues to shine as a top athlete. Tinubu praised her hard work and spirit, saying, “Tobi’s success shows that with determination, anything is possible. She is a true Nigerian hero.”Tinubu wished both Gumel and Amusan more success and promised the government’s support for Nigerians excelling abroad.

Their achievements acts as an inspiration for young Nigerians and shows the country’s growing global influence.

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‎ ‎ ‎Human Rights Activist Deji Adeyanju Appeals to Patience Jonathan to Drop Prolonged Jewellery Theft Case After Defendant’s Death in Custody

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By custody.

The plea, shared on Adeyanju’s social media platforms, shows the human cost of what he describes as “justice delayed,” calling for compassion in the interest of fairness and humanity.

‎The case dates back to 2019, when the 15 individuals, allegedly former employees of Mrs. Jonathan—were arrested in connection with the disappearance of jewellery from her Bayelsa residence. Since then, they have been detained and subjected to a protracted trial in Bayelsa State courts, with no resolution in sight.

Adeyanju’s letter specifically references the death of Sahabi Liman, one of the accused, who reportedly fell seriously ill while incarcerated and passed away recently, showing the severe toll of prolonged detention.”For more than five years now, fifteen of your former domestic staff have been standing trial over allegations of missing jewellery.

They were arrested in 2019, kept in custody, and have since been dragged through the courts without resolution. Along the way, one of them, Sahabi Liman, fell seriously ill in prison and has now died,” Adeyanju wrote in the letter, titled “Open Letter by Deji Adeyanju to Dame Patience Jonathan after the Death of Her Former Domestic Staff Standing Trial for Theft of Jewellery in Bayelsa Prison.”

He emphasized that the incident serves as a stark reminder that “justice delayed so severely becomes no justice at all.”Adeyanju argued that even if the defendants were ultimately convicted, the sentences for such an offense would not exceed the time they have already spent behind bars. “This is no longer about stolen jewellery but about human beings who have suffered far beyond proportion,” he stated, appealing to Mrs. Jonathan’s reputation as a “mother figure” in the nation.

He urged her to discontinue the case as an act of mercy, allowing the remaining defendants to rebuild their lives and avoid further tragedy.The activist’s intervention has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions in Nigeria about prison overcrowding, the right to a speedy trial, and the ethical responsibilities of complainants in long-running legal disputes. Legal experts have noted that while theft cases involving high-profile individuals can sometimes linger due to procedural complexities, the death in custody raises serious questions about the welfare of detainees and the proportionality of punishment.As of now, there has been no public response from Dame Patience Jonathan or her representatives. The case continues to unfold in the Bayelsa State High Court, with the remaining 14 defendants still awaiting judgment.

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‎Hilda Baci’s Mother Reveals Faith, Fears, and Divine Intervention Behind Daughter’s Epic Jollof Rice World Record

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The mother of celebrated Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has opened up about the spiritual and emotional journey behind her daughter’s latest Guinness World Record achievement: the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing an astonishing 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz).

‎Speaking virtually during Pastor Jerry Eze’s NSPPD online morning service on Tuesday, Mrs. Bassey, who owns the popular Calabar Pot restaurant in Abuja, credited prayer, fasting, and “God’s mercy” for turning what could have been a culinary catastrophe into a triumphant celebration of Nigerian heritage.

‎The record, confirmed by Guinness World Records on Monday, was set during the Gino World Jollof Festival on September 12 at Victoria Island in Lagos, in collaboration with food brand Gino Nigeria.

‎Thousands gathered at the Eko Hotel grounds to witness the spectacle, which transformed into a lively carnival with music, dancing, and celebrity appearances, including Nollywood star Funke Akindele, who joined Baci to stir the tomato base.

‎The event which was originally planned for Muri Okunola Park, was relocated due to overwhelming interest, with over 20,000 people registering to attend.

‎Mrs. Bassey recounted the moment her 28-year-old daughter first shared her ambitious vision. “My daughter said, ‘Mommy, I want to cook the biggest pot of jollof rice.’ When she mentioned 250 bags [of basmati rice], I was shaking,” she shared, her voice trembling with emotion during the service. The custom-made pot, spanning six meters wide and capable of holding 23,000 liters, was a marvel of engineering that took two months to construct and test. Fears mounted when the pot buckled during a crane-lift attempt to weigh it, raising concerns it might collapse under the weight of rice, meat, oil, and other ingredients. “I feared the giant pot might collapse,” Mrs. Bassey admitted, but divine intervention prevailed.

‎Despite the initial plan for 250 bags, the final recipe used 200 bags of rice (4,000 kg), 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600 kg of onions, 168 kg of boneless goat meat, 30 gallons of oil, and 220 kg of Gino Asun and peppered chicken cubes, all locally sourced to show Nigerian ingenuity.

‎The cooking marathon lasted nine intense hours, fueled by 1,200 kg of gas, and was infused with Baci’s signature Asun jollof rice twist.

‎”About 40 minutes to go, she came to me and said, ‘Mommy, we need to pray in the Holy Ghost.’ She told the team, ‘This is the first time you people will eat rice that the Holy Ghost will cook.’ That is the kind of faith she has.”Before the cooking began, Baci and her mother shared a poignant prayer session, seeking “divine strength, protection, and endurance.”

‎ The jollof, which yielded enough for 16,600 plates, was distributed to the cheering crowd without waste, adhering to Guinness rules. Videos captured the joyous distribution, with onlookers, some waiting all night, savoring the record-breaking meal.

‎This marks Baci’s second Guinness World Record, following her 2023 triumph in the longest cooking marathon (93 hours and 11 minutes), which catapulted her to national fame. Inspired by her mother’s culinary legacy, Baci has long credited family as her driving force. “Her mother is her greatest motivation,” sources close to the chef have noted, loudening Baci’s own words about wanting to make her proud.

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