James Uche
Nigeria’s celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has once again etched her name in global history after Guinness World Records confirmed her latest feat — the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).
The achievement, accomplished in partnership with food brand Gino, took place on Friday in Victoria Island, Lagos, and was officially certified on Monday.
Guinness World Records announced the milestone on its X handle (formerly Twitter), writing:
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”
Baci, who shot to global fame with her record-breaking cook-a-thon in 2023, said her mission was to spotlight Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.
“The goal was to show the resilience of our food and culture. With 200 bags of rice cooked, this pot alone could feed 20,000 people,” she explained.
The specially designed pot used for the attempt had a 22,619-litre capacity, with Baci aiming to fill it up to 80 per cent. Despite scaling down her initial target of 250 bags of rice to 200, the result was still monumental.
The event turned into a carnival-like celebration, drawing huge crowds of supporters, celebrities, and food lovers. Nollywood actress Funke Akindele cheered Baci on and even joined her at the cooking spot, while the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, also graced the occasion.
Other stars in attendance included Kaffy, Tomike Adeoye, Enioluwa, Veekee James, Tacha, Papaya, Alex Unusual, Spyro, and Peller, among others, making the atmosphere electric with music, dancing, and cheers.
The Guinness confirmation further cements Baci’s reputation as a cultural ambassador, bringing Nigerian dishes to global recognition.