Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has begun her Guinness World Record attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, with her mother leading in prayers for success.
The Guinness World Record holder, who gained global recognition in 2023 after breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon, kicked off the massive challenge in Lagos amid cheers from fans and well-wishers.
More than just a culinary feat, the event celebrates African cuisine, culture, and unity. Before the cooking commenced, Hilda and her mother were seen praying earnestly for strength, endurance, and safety, a touching moment that moved the crowd, who hailed her mother as the backbone of her journey.
Hilda Baci accompanied the video with the caption; “Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! 🫧✨ I personally rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself 💚. In just a few hours, this same pot will be home to thousands of servings of Nigerian Jollof history in the making.”
Using a specially built 22,619-litre pot measuring about 6 meters in diameter—large enough to feed roughly 10,000 people—Hilda Baci’s jollof challenge is both a culinary spectacle and an act of service.
Held in Lagos, the event will see her cook with 250 bags of rice, aiming to fill the giant pot to about 80%. Beyond breaking records, the prepared food will be shared with attendees and donated to charity.
The biggest jollof rice cooking event is taking place at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victorial Island, Lagos today, September 12th, 2025.
Reactions as cooking starts
thefoodploy added, “Well done Hilda @fhsadvisorshq and @thefoodploy is proud to be supporting this effort with food safety and health and safety measures.”
td_cakesandpastries penned: “This pot needs to be kept in the museum. Keep soaring higher Hils.”
blessing___peace opined: “That was how it looked funny when she announced her cookathon. And the way she outdid herself in that cookathon, I believe she will do the same with this biggest jollof pot.”
@bala.david2 added: “Today is your day Hilda …. I cover you with the blood of Jesus and I cancel every mistake and error…”
naija.bakers reacted: “It’s a success already. Clear skies. Congratulations Hilda 💕.”
meetwithcounselordaisywrote, “I’m so happy this is happening on my birthday…so everyone let’s get ready to eat my birthday rice 🙌😂❤️.”