Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has once again captured national and international attention with her ambitious attempt to set another world record — this time for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice. However, the star chef surprised many when she revealed that she cooked 200 bags of rice instead of her initial plan of 250.
Speaking to journalists at the vibrant venue on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Baci explained that the decision to scale down was not a failure of preparation but rather a technical necessity. She disclosed that the crane and weighing device used for measurement could only handle a maximum weight of 20,000 kilograms, which included the massive custom-made pot designed specifically for the event.
> “The average crane and the measuring device can only weigh 20,000 kilograms. It’s safer for me to go below that limit so that my scale can carry it all at once,” Baci explained.
According to her, the 200 bags of rice — weighing about 4,000 kilograms — were still expected to serve over 20,000 people.
Planning, Execution, and the Carnival Atmosphere
Baci described the challenge as the most ambitious of her career, noting that it took almost a year of careful planning. She revealed that fabricating the giant pot alone took about two months, while the event itself required nine months of preparation.
The actual cooking process took nearly nine hours, turning the entire venue into a carnival-like atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and celebrity appearances. Popular figures such as actress Funke Akindele, renowned dancer Kaffy, and Ogun State’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, graced the occasion, lending glamour and excitement to the event.
For many attendees, the event was not just about setting a world record but also about celebrating Nigerian culture, unity, and food.
Feeding the Nation With Jollof Rice
Although the cutback from 250 bags to 200 bags raised curiosity, Baci reassured fans that the ultimate goal remained intact — feeding thousands of Nigerians.
> “This 4,000 kilograms of rice is still massive. It will feed 20,000 people, and that’s a record on its own. The essence of this project was never just about breaking records but about feeding the nation,” she said.
Indeed, the event was marked by free distribution of Jollof rice to attendees. Many arrived with coolers and containers, eager to take part in the historic food-sharing experience.
Guinness World Records Reacts
The Guinness World Records organization acknowledged Baci’s effort, sending her a message of encouragement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
> “What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice today,” the post read.
This recognition comes just two years after Guinness certified her 2023 cook-a-thon, which saw Baci earn global acclaim and inspire a new generation of young Nigerian chefs.
From Cook-a-thon Fame to Jollof Record Attempt
Hilda Baci first shot to fame in 2023 when she set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. That event not only made her a household name but also repositioned Nigeria’s culinary industry on the global stage.
This new attempt, she explained, was not originally conceived as a Guinness World Record challenge but as a food experience for Nigerians.
> “When I came up with this idea, I did not think about it as a world record, quite frankly. I just wanted to create an experience that would bring people together and feed as many as possible,” she revealed
A Legacy of Food, Culture, and Unity
Despite the technical adjustment from 250 to 200 bags, Baci’s attempt remains monumental. It has once again proven her resilience, creativity, and commitment to showcasing Nigerian cuisine to the world.
She emphasized that the project was not just about her personal achievement but about inspiring Nigerians and spreading joy through food.
> “It was challenging but exciting at the same time. We’re not done yet — we still need to distribute the food and make sure everyone here eats to their satisfaction. That, to me, is the real success,” she concluded.
With Guinness World Records yet to officially confirm the outcome, Nigerians and food lovers around the world eagerly await the verdict. But one thing is certain: Hilda Baci has once again cooked her way into history and into the hearts of millions.
