Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has successfully completed her attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice. The record-breaking feat took place at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.

Baci, who is from Akwa Ibom, prepared the massive dish using 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 500 cartons of tomato concentrate, 750 kilograms of oil, and 600 kilograms of onions. The ingredients were cooked in a custom-made steel pot measuring six meters in diameter. Initially, the plan was to cook 250 bags of rice, but this was adjusted to 200 bags to avoid exceeding the 20,000-kilogram weight limit of the measuring equipment.

The cooking process involved ten assistants, who worked tirelessly with Baci, stirring the enormous meal with giant wooden paddles. The event, tagged ‘Gino World Jollof Festival,’ attracted notable personalities, including Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun and celebrities like Funke Akindele and Afrobeats singer Spyro. DJs and live performances kept the audience engaged throughout the session.

Funke Akindele addressed the crowd, praising Baci’s determination and urging women to pursue bold dreams. The Federal Government had commended Baci on Friday for her quest to set a new Guinness World Record, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, describing the effort as another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.

Baci was visibly moved by the overwhelming support she received, breaking down in tears at one point after reading online messages of encouragement. The successful record attempt is a significant achievement, showcasing Nigeria’s culinary expertise on the global stage. The event also highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving ambitious goals. With this feat, Baci has cemented her position as a leading figure in Nigeria’s culinary industry, and her achievement is expected to inspire others to pursue their passions.