Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has launched an ambitious attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice, drawing an impressive turnout of celebrities, influencers, and food lovers to the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Friday.
The festival, dubbed the “Gino Jollof Festival,” is being held in partnership with seasoning brand Gino and features a custom-built pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, designed to hold 250 bags of rice.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, Instagram influencer Tomike Adeoye, fashion icon Veeky James, and dance legend Kaffy, herself a Guinness World Record holder. Social media personalities such as Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Folagade Banks, and Vicky James were also present to support Baci.
Before the burners were lit, Bolaji Idowu, lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, offered prayers and blessings for the historic cooking effort.
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The festival has attracted overwhelming public interest, with organisers reporting more than 20,000 registrations for the free, open-to-the-public event. Crowds of Gen Zs, millennials, food enthusiasts, and fans thronged the venue to witness the record-breaking feat.
Baci, who captured global attention in 2023 after setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, expressed confidence that the attempt would be successful. She also reassured attendees that the jollof rice would be “amazing and hygienic,” promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
