There are moments in history that go beyond personal achievement and become a source of collective pride. Hilda Baci has once again proven that Nigerian talent and determination can capture the world’s attention. After making global headlines in 2023 with her Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, she returned with an even bolder vision; cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
The event, hosted at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, was more than just a cooking challenge. It was a cultural celebration. Thousands of people gathered, and over 20,000 registered to attend. The atmosphere was electric, as Nigerians from all walks of life came together to witness history being made. The pot itself was monumental, six metres wide and six metres tall, with a capacity of over 22,000 litres. Into it went thousands of kilograms of rice, tomato paste, onions, oil, meat, and spices—scaled up to a level that demanded precision, planning, and creativity.
Hilda personally ensured the process was clean and transparent, even climbing into the massive pot to wash it before cooking began. Her attention to detail reminded everyone that this was not just about size, but about quality. As the rice cooked and the aroma filled the air, it was clear this was more than a spectacle; it was a statement about Nigerian culture, unity, and ambition.
The successful completion of the challenge drew praise from the federal government and sparked excitement across the country. Jollof rice is not just food. It is identity, memory, and pride in West Africa. By cooking it on this scale, Hilda reminded the world of the richness of African cuisine and the power of shared cultural experiences.
What makes her feat remarkable is not just the size of the pot, but the vision behind it. Pulling off an event of this magnitude required courage, meticulous organization, and relentless passion. It showed that even the most ambitious dreams can be achieved with planning, teamwork, and determination. Beyond awaiting Guinness World Records’ confirmation, Hilda has already succeeded in uniting people, showcasing Nigerian excellence, and inspiring millions to believe that no dream is too big to cook into reality.

