Celebrity chef Hilda Baci, already a Guinness World Record holder for her extraordinary 100-hour cooking marathon achieved in May 2023, has embarked on an even more ambitious culinary challenge. She is attempting to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, aiming to secure her second global recognition.

The record-breaking event, part of the Gino Jollof Festival, commenced on Friday, September 12, drawing immense public attention and anticipation. The scale of this undertaking is monumental, featuring a custom-fabricated pot measuring an impressive six metres wide and six metres tall. Into this colossal vessel, a staggering 250 bags of rice are being prepared to create thousands of servings of Nigerian Jollof history.

Ahead of the event, Baci personally addressed potential concerns regarding hygiene standards. In an Instagram post on Friday, she shared a video of herself inside the giant pot, meticulously scrubbing its interior with a branded detergent. “Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I personally rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself,” she stated, reassuring fans. She further pledged rigorous cleaning, including multiple rinses and the use of brand new mopsticks, promising to serve “the most amazing, hygienic food you’ve ever eaten.” This dedication underscores her commitment to both culinary excellence and public safety.

The free-to-attend festival, organized in partnership with seasoning brand Gino, is projected to attract over 20,000 people, with registrations already surpassing this number. Hilda Baci has garnered widespread support from various personalities, including social media influencers Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Tomike Adeoye. Adeoluwa, a staunch supporter from her previous cook-a-thon, expressed immense pride in Baci’s accomplishments, while Adeoye, who is anchoring the festival, hailed the attempt as a “defining cultural moment.”

Baci’s motivation extends beyond just breaking records; it is about showcasing Nigerian cuisine on an unprecedented global scale. Fans who cannot attend in person are encouraged to follow live updates on Instagram pages, and an exclusive interview with BellaNaija offers insights into her preparations, including secret ingredients and top tips for making the best jollof rice. With the venue buzzing with excitement and the eyes of the nation, and indeed the world, watching, Hilda Baci is once again elevating Nigerian jollof rice to new heights.