Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has broken yet another Guinness World Record after preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing 8,780 kilogrammes.
The record, officially confirmed on Monday by Guinness World Records, was achieved in collaboration with food brand Gino at an event in Victoria Island, Lagos.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, Guinness World Records wrote, “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.”
The announcement followed days of intense cooking that drew crowds of supporters, entertainers, and food enthusiasts.
The event took on a carnival-like atmosphere, with live music, dancing, and celebrity appearances. Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, who joined Baci at the cooking stand to stir the pot, described the chef as “a symbol of resilience and creativity that inspires women across Africa.”
First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, also graced the event, praising the chef’s achievement as “a testament to the power of Nigerian women and the limitless opportunities in the culinary industry.”
Speaking to reporters, Baci explained the process behind the record-breaking feat.
“The custom-made pot we used has a 22,619-litre capacity. My plan was to fill it up to about 80 per cent, which required roughly 5,278 kilogrammes of rice. But for strategy reasons, I worked with 200 bags of rice. Even with that, the final weight, including the pot, came close to 20,000 kilogrammes,” she said.
The chef, who first gained global attention in 2023 after her 93-hour cooking marathon record, said this new milestone was more than just about food.
“It’s about pushing boundaries, proving what’s possible, and inspiring young Nigerians, especially women, to dream bigger,” she added.
Other celebrities spotted at the event included dancer Kaffy, Tomike Adeoye, Enioluwa, Veekee James, Alex Unusual, and singer Spyro.
For many attendees, the event was not just about food but about celebrating Nigerian culture. A spectator, Femi Atere, told reporters, “Jollof rice is more than a meal; it’s our identity. What Hilda has done is to put Nigeria on the map once again.”
