Nigeria is on the world stage once again, and this time it’s not about music or sports, but food; the heart of culture. Chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for cooking the largest pot of Jollof rice.
What started as a dream has grown into a festival of food, culture, and pride. Initially, the record-breaking cookout was scheduled to hold at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island. But with over 20,000 people registering to attend, the venue was no longer sufficient. To accommodate the crowd and ensure the experience matches the moment, the venue has now been shifted to Eko Hotel Car Park B, Lagos.
The centerpiece of this attempt is nothing short of extraordinary. A specially crafted pot has been built for the occasion, designed to hold 22,619 litres of food, though Guinness requires it to be filled at least 80%. To make this a reality, Hilda will cook with 250 bags of rice, alongside fresh spices like garlic, ginger, thyme, curry, and more; a true orchestra of flavors representing the soul of Nigerian cooking.
But this isn’t just about cooking rice. It’s about creating history. The event is free for all registered attendees, and it promises more than food: cultural showcases, live entertainment, interactive experiences, and a shared sense of identity. For Hilda Baci, this is not merely an attempt to put her name in the record books. It is a way to spotlight Nigerian resilience, creativity, and the unifying power of Jollof rice.
As the pot simmers and the aroma fills the air, millions across Nigeria and beyond are watching closely. If successful, Hilda’s name will be etched not only in the Guinness World Book of Records, but also in the hearts of people who believe in the boldness of her vision.
Hilda Baci isn’t just cooking Jollof rice. She is cooking history.
