Festivals Lifestyle Nigerian Dishes Hilda Baci’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice: Record Attempt at Lagos Festival Ayomidoyin OlufemiSeptember 15, 20250908 views Nigerian chef Hilda Baci attempted the world’s largest pot of jollof rice on September 12, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the Gino World Jollof Festival. The record attempt used a custom-built six-metre pot, more than 4,000 kilograms of rice, and drew an audience of about 20,000 people. The attempt was both a culinary milestone and a cultural showcase, showcasing Nigeria’s food heritage and the growing influence of its cuisine. Backed by sponsorship, planning, and public turnout, it set a new benchmark for food festivals in Lagos. Inside the Gino World Jollof Festival Record Attempt The record attempt served as the headline feature of the Gino World Jollof Festival. Cooking began in the afternoon and lasted for about eight hours. The venue was selected for its capacity to accommodate large crowds and manage the infrastructure required for a large-scale cooking operation. Gino Seasoning provided sponsorship, covering the supply of ingredients, equipment, and logistical support. Attendance reached approximately 20,000 people, many of whom registered in advance. At the end of the process, the rice was weighed, documented, and shared among attendees, as required by Guinness rules. Ingredients and Quantities The record attempt required industrial volumes of ingredients. Official figures released by the organisers included: 4,000 kg of basmati rice 750 kg of cooking oil 600 kg of onions Over 500 cartons of tomato paste Hundreds of kilograms of chicken and pepper mix All items were measured before cooking to meet Guinness verification requirements. The scale of sourcing, transporting, and storing these ingredients involved coordination between suppliers, logistics teams, and food safety officers. Engineering Behind Hilda Baci’s Jollof Rice Record Attempt The cooking process used a custom-built steel pot measuring nearly six metres in diameter. The pot was mounted on reinforced frames and heated with industrial burners designed to distribute heat evenly across the base. During the weighing process, a crane was employed to lift the structure. The pot’s legs bent slightly under pressure, and the lid shifted. Although the attempt continued, the incident may influence Guinness verification. Teams of assistants managed to stir with oversized wooden paddles. Temperature control, hygiene standards, and consistency of the rice were continuously monitored to comply with both safety regulations and Guinness criteria. Jollof Rice Distribution at the Lagos Festival Once cooking was complete, the rice was portioned into containers and shared with attendees. An estimated 20,000 people received meals on-site, while additional takeaway packs were distributed later. The process was managed through designated serving points to maintain order and ensure compliance with Guinness World Records’ requirement that the food be edible and consumed. Cultural Significance Jollof rice is one of West Africa’s most recognised dishes and holds a central role in Nigerian culture. It is a staple at weddings, festivals, and national celebrations. The rivalry between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal over jollof rice has increased international attention on the dish, often referred to as the “Jollof Wars.” By attempting a world record centred on jollof, Nigeria positioned itself at the forefront of this cultural debate. The Lagos event generated strong reactions online, with social media users framing the attempt as both a culinary achievement and an expression of national pride. Hilda Baci’s Previous Guinness World Record Hilda Baci is not new to Guinness World Records. In May 2023, she completed a 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon, which was later recognised as the longest cooking marathon at the time. Although that record has since been broken, the event elevated her profile internationally. The 2025 jollof rice challenge represented a shift from endurance to scale, reinforcing her strategy of using record-setting to promote Nigerian cuisine on a global platform. READ ALSO: Jollof and Jackets: How Nigerian Culture is Inspiring Global Fashion How Enioluwa is Making Nigerian Food & Language Cool Again Via Viral Content Discover Lagos’ Top 5 Food Critics and the Restaurants They Recommend Comparison with the 2023 Cookathon Hilda Baci first gained international recognition in 2023 when she completed a 93-hour 11-minute cookathon, which was later certified by Guinness World Records. That event tested endurance, time management, and consistency across hundreds of smaller dishes. The 2025 jollof rice attempt, by contrast, measured scale rather than time. Instead of multiple recipes, the focus was on cooking a single dish—jollof rice—at record-breaking volume. Engineering, pot fabrication, and food safety were the central challenges, rather than stamina. While both events showcased her culinary influence, the cookathon was a test of resilience, and the jollof rice record attempt became a statement of cultural pride and large-scale execution. Guinness World Records Status As of mid-September 2025, Guinness World Records has not certified the attempt. The organisation requires full documentation, including: Independent verification of weights and measurements Continuous video and photographic evidence Proof that the rice was edible and consumed Confirmation of compliance with safety standards The structural issues during weighing may affect the review process. Certification typically takes several weeks or months. Conclusion The attempt by Hilda Baci to cook the largest pot of jollof rice stands as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious food projects. With 4,000 kilograms of rice, a six-metre pot, and 20,000 attendees, the event combined technical expertise, cultural pride, and culinary skill. While Guinness World Records has not yet confirmed the result, the scale of the project has already placed it among the most notable food events in recent years. More than a competition, it served as a showcase of Nigerian cuisine and its global relevance. Frequently Asked Questions How much rice was used for the record attempt? About 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice were cooked. Where was the event held and who sponsored it? At Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, sponsored by Gino seasoning. What ingredients did Hilda Baci use for the largest pot of jollof rice? She used rice, oil, chicken, tomato paste, pepper mix, onions, and seasonings, weighing several tonnes in total. How does Hilda Baci’s jollof rice record attempt compare to her 2023 cookathon? Her 2023 cookathon lasted 93 hours and 11 minutes, earning her Guinness recognition. The jollof rice attempt focuses on scale rather than duration. Why did Hilda Baci attempt the world’s largest pot of jollof rice? The attempt was part of the Gino World Jollof Festival, showcasing Nigerian food culture and aiming for Guinness recognition.