Celebrity chef Hilda Baci officially launched her ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for cooking the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice, drawing the support of top social media influencers, prominent personalities, and faith leaders alike.
The historic event, branded the “Gino Jollof Festival”, took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Friday, September 12, and features a giant pot measuring six metres in both width and height.
Hilda Baci, who first rose to international attention in 2023 after breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon, is aiming to cook a staggering 250 bags of rice, enough to serve tens of thousands of attendees.
Social media influencers Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Tomike Adeoye were among the first to arrive at the venue, lending their voices and presence to cheer on the culinary superstar.
Enioluwa, who had previously supported Baci during her 2023 cook-a-thon, shared heartfelt messages on Instagram, praising the chef’s resilience and dedication.
“There’s truly nothing you set your mind to that you don’t achieve,” Enioluwa wrote.
“You’re such a go-getter — an incredible friend, an amazing sister, and one of the best things to happen to my world. I’m so proud of you.
Today, as you break yet another world record, because I know you will — just know I’m cheering you on with all my heart. Wishing you all the success in the world, my love. Go, Hilda, go! Go Hilda, go!”
Tomike Adeoye, who is anchoring the festival, highlighted the historic nature of Baci’s attempt, describing it as “greatness happening in our generation.”
On Instagram, she wrote, “Hosting duties for #GinoJollofFestivalwithHildaBaci.
Hildabaci is set to break a record, and we’re here to witness greatness happening in our generation!
We’re rooting for you, Hilda! You’ve done it before; you will do it again with God on your side! Amen.”
The festival, organisers say, has already attracted over 20,000 registrations and remains free to attend.
Hilda Baci reassured attendees that the cooking process would maintain the highest standards of hygiene, promising a truly record-breaking culinary experience.
Beyond the digital influencers, faith leaders also joined the celebration. Pastor Bolaji Idowu, known for his motivational sermons and community outreach in Lagos, was present to pray over the festival and Hilda’s record attempt.
He emphasised the importance of faith, perseverance, and collective support in achieving remarkable feats.
“God has given her this platform, and today we witness the power of determination, skill, and divine backing,” Pastor Bolaji remarked during the opening ceremony.
“May her effort inspire many young Nigerians to dream big and execute even bigger.”
The festival began with a prayer session led by Hilda Baci and her mother, a moving moment that underscored the importance of family support and spiritual strength in the chef’s journey.
Spectators cheered as the duo sought divine guidance for endurance, safety, and success throughout the multi-hour cooking process.
Speaking to attendees, Hilda Baci expressed her excitement and gratitude for the overwhelming support.
“Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself. In just a few hours, this same pot will carry thousands of servings of Nigerian Jollof history in the making,” she said.
The move from Muri Okunola Park to Eko Hotel was prompted by the high level of interest, ensuring adequate space and facilities for the massive crowd expected to witness history.
Fans, friends, and supporters have lined up early to be part of the celebration, taking photos and sharing live updates on social media.
Hilda’s team has prepared a highly coordinated operation to ensure every aspect of the cooking process meets Guinness World Record standards, from ingredient measurements to cooking duration.
The chef’s use of local ingredients and meticulous planning highlights Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and demonstrates how large-scale culinary projects can engage communities, promote culture, and create global recognition.
As the festival progresses, social media platforms are buzzing with updates, with influencers like Enioluwa and Tomike broadcasting the event live to thousands of online followers.
The combination of celebrity support, faith leadership, and community enthusiasm sets the stage for what organisers hope will be a historic moment in Nigerian and global culinary history.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu added, “This event is more than a cooking challenge; it’s a testament to what passion, discipline, and divine guidance can achieve.
Young Nigerians should look at this and realise that no dream is too big, and no goal is unreachable.”
With the countdown on, thousands of attendees are eagerly awaiting the moment the rice hits the record-breaking pot, ready to cheer on Hilda Baci as she aims to make history once again.
