Hilda’s Record-Breaking Jollof Festival

Chef Hilda Baci turned Lagos into a giant kitchen on Friday when the World Jollof Festival lit up the Eko Hotel Car Park B. Part record attempt, part cultural celebration, the event drew thousands who came to witness one of the most ambitious cooking feats ever attempted in Nigeria.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

Her goal was audacious: to cook the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice ever made. A custom-built pot, six metres wide and six metres tall, was rolled in for the challenge. It was originally designed to hold 250 bags of rice. With smoke rising and the massive cauldron heating up, the crowd pressed forward, eager to see whether she could pull it off.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

Among those who came to cheer her on were some of Nigeria’s familiar faces. Actress Funke Akindele and Jemima Osunde were spotted around the giant pot, offering encouragement. Dancer Kaffy joined in the excitement, while DJ Peller added to the festival’s energy. Influencers including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks and Vicky James shared live updates from the ground, ensuring the spectacle reached far beyond Lagos.

After nine hours of steady cooking, Baci completed the challenge. Instead of the planned 250 bags, she managed 200. The effort produced more than 14,000 kilograms of jollof rice. Volunteers worked quickly once the food was ready, handing out over 30,000 takeaway packs to a delighted audience at no cost.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

The day, however, was not without setbacks. During the weighing process, the giant pot gave way while being lifted by a crane. It collapsed under its own weight. The accident forced organisers to scale back the rice used, but Baci and her team pressed on, determined to finish. The determination drew loud cheers from the crowd, who applauded her resilience as much as her cooking.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

What remains uncertain is how Guinness World Records will judge the attempt. The collapse of the pot raises questions about whether the technical requirements were fully met, and official verification is still pending.

Photo: @jeo_graphy_-Instagram

Still, the festival itself was a triumph. Beyond the numbers and the chase for a world record, the gathering reminded everyone why jollof rice holds such a special place in Nigerian culture. It brought together thousands of people from different walks of life, from celebrities to everyday Lagosians, to share in food, music and pride.

Whether or not Guinness gives its stamp of approval, Hilda Baci has already shown that Nigerian cuisine can command a global spotlight. A pot of jollof rice, no matter how massive, can still bring people together.