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.

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards belonged to Tyla. With “Push 2 Start,” she became the first artist to win Best Afrobeats two years in a row, a moment that showed her rise from breakout star to one of Afrobeats’ leading names worldwide. Her win placed Afrobeats firmly on the global stage, with African stars now shaping the direction of pop culture.

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Tyla’s win carried the pride of the continent, but her presence on the red carpet made just as much noise. Styled by Ron Hartleben, she arrived in a 1993 vintage Chanel corset top, worn as a cream-and-black micro-mini dress. The look was balanced with fitted black shorts, a modern twist that allowed the outfit to move between daring and clean. Around her waist, gold chain echoing the layered necklaces and heavy medallions at her neckline.

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Her partnership with Pandora was on full display as she stacked bracelets, rings, and anklets, turning jewelry into a language of detail and weight. On her feet, she chose black Louboutin pumps, a classic contrast to the rest of the look.

The beauty direction was just as deliberate: a side-parted bob, natural-toned glam and a bold green manicure  gave the look a sharp twist, showing that Tyla knows how to finish off her fashion moments.

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It was a red-carpet appearance that felt from the past yet modern, drawing from fashion history while signaling the assurance of an artist who knows she’s making history herself. The award was one part of the night. The other was seeing Tyla step onto the carpet and stage with the same assurance— an artist shaping Afrobeats.

On September 4, the usually busy Montparnasse district of Paris became the scene of a crime thriller that almost played out in real life. Paris police officers from the elite Search & Intervention Brigade intercepted three men who had planned to abduct Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and influencer Kika Osunde in broad daylight.

Kika Osunde

The suspects, disguised as deliverymen, were said to have tracked her movements through her highly visible social media presence. Their plan was to seize her just as she continued to settle into her new life in the French capital.
Kika Osunde—popularly known as Kika GoodHair has built a powerful brand across in Africa and Europe. She co-founded Good Hair Ltd., a luxury hair company, and also runs the Lagos restaurant Brass & Copper.

Beyond business, she has a strong online presence, sharing her lifestyle, travels, and fashion moments with hundreds of thousands of fans across Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.

Kika Osunde- Instagram

Her glamorous visibility, however, appears to have caught the wrong kind of attention. According to international reports, the men arrested were closely monitoring her posts to determine her location before attempting the stopped abduction.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has since opened an investigation, stating the seriousness of the case. authorities are examining the possibility that a larger network was involved in the plot.
For Nigerians, the story feels relatable beyond the drama of an attempted kidnap abroad. Kika Osunde is one of many Nigerians who have taken their creativity and business to the global stage, carrying with them the double burden of fame and risk. Her near-miss in Paris raises an eye-opening conversation about digital exposure, safety, and the unseen dangers that sometimes follow public figures.

Kika Osunde-Instagram

For now, the quick action of French authorities has stopped what could have been a tragic event. And for all of us watching the story unfold it is both a relief and a reminder: in an age where visibility equals influence, it also demands caution.