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Tag: Hilda Baci

  • First Lady congratulates Hilda Baci on second Guinness World record

    First Lady congratulates Hilda Baci on second Guinness World record

    First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has congratulated celebrity chef Hilda Baci on the latest Guinness World Record feat of preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice.

    In a congratulatory message, the First Lady praised Baci’s passion, resilience and creativity, noting that her culinary mastery has not only earned her international recognition but also brought immense pride to Nigeria.

    She described the achievement as a testament to what young Nigerian women can accomplish when driven by determination and innovation.

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    “Your passion, resilience, and creativity in showcasing your craft as a celebrity Chef of one of Nigeria’s most loved dishes on the global stage is inspiring. Your art of culinary techniques has not only brought pride to our dear nation, but has gained national and global recognition,” Mrs. Tinubu said.

    The First Lady highlighted Baci’s success as a powerful symbol for Nigerian youth, particularly women, urging them to draw inspiration from her determination to excel.

    She added that the Guinness World Record achievement showcases the power of innovation and hard work in attaining global recognition.

    “Through this feat, you have shown what young Nigerian women can accomplish with hard work, determination, and the power of innovation. I pray for greater accomplishments for you and other Nigerian youth who dare to dream,” she stated.

    Hilda Baci, who previously broke the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, added another Guinness World Record to her growing list of accomplishments, further cementing her status as a global culinary ambassador for Nigeria.

  • Hilda Baci’s mother attributes Guinness World record feat to prayer, God’s mercy

    Hilda Baci’s mother attributes Guinness World record feat to prayer, God’s mercy

    Hilda Baci’s mother has credited her daughter’s Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice to prayer, fasting, and divine intervention.

    The record-breaking dish, which weighed 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz), was prepared during a highly anticipated event at Eko Hotel.

    Speaking virtually during Pastor Jerry Eze’s NSPPD online morning service on Tuesday, Baci’s mother recalled how she and her daughter embarked on fasting and prayer ahead of the attempt.

    “She told me, ‘Mommy, we have to fast all through this week.’ I joined NSPPD every morning, prayed through the night, and placed the event before God,” she said, adding that her greatest prayer was that the occasion would not turn into shame.

    She recounted her initial fears when her daughter revealed plans to cook with 250 bags of rice in a six-metre-wide pot. “When I saw the pot, I was afraid. It was like my office. Even the cover had to be lifted by cranes,” she recalled.

    The massive effort eventually used 200 bags of rice, 20 goats, 30 gallons of oil, tomato paste, and seasoning, drawing a large crowd of supporters.

    Baci’s mother testified that they prayed against accidents or setbacks, particularly the risk of the giant pot leaking.

    “That would have turned joy into disaster. But God did it,” she said, affirming that the success was proof of God’s mercy.

    She concluded by echoing a popular phrase from the NSPPD altar: “What God cannot do does not exist.”

     “When I saw the crowd, I just said, what God cannot do does not exist. Father, no one will collapse here, no death, no accident, no evil report. And that was how it ended, everything in praise,” she said.

    Read Also: Guinness World Records confirms Hilda Baci’s largest jollof rice feat

    Breaking into gratitude, she said, “Guinness has called us. My daughter has broken the record twice. Two-time record holder. Who is Hilda? Who is Hilda’s father? Who is Hilda’s mother?

    “What is our family name? For us to pull such a crowd, it can only be God.”

    On Monday, Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement, stating, “New record,” Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

    Baci herself also celebrated on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “We have done it again #nigeria #hildabaci.”

    The chef, who first shot to fame with her Guinness cook-a-thon attempt in 2023, now holds two world records, cementing her place as one of Nigeria’s most prominent culinary figures.

  • Guinness World Records confirms Hilda Baci’s largest jollof rice feat

    Guinness World Records confirms Hilda Baci’s largest jollof rice feat

    Guinness World Records has officially recognized Hilda Baci’s achievement for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lb 9 oz).

    The record was set in partnership with Gino on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing massive attention both on social media and at the venue.

    Dignitaries such as Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, and actress Funke Akindele praised Baci’s resilience during the event.

    Read Also: Jumoke Odetola defends Hilda Baci amid criticism of record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    According to Guinness World Records, “New Record: Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

    For the feat, Baci used 200 bags of rice, totaling 4,000 kilograms, cooked in a specially designed 22,619-liter capacity pot, which she aimed to fill up to 80%. The meal was large enough to feed over 20,000 people.

    Guinness World Records also sent Baci words of encouragement during her attempt, wishing her success in the record-breaking challenge.

  • Jumoke Odetola defends Hilda Baci amid criticism of record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Jumoke Odetola defends Hilda Baci amid criticism of record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Actress Jumoke Odetola has spoken out in support of chef Hilda Baci after her record-breaking Jollof Rice festival came under criticism, as some critics claimed the food “wasn’t sweet.”

    In a post on Instagram, Jumoke described the backlash as “heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness,” stressing that pulling off such a feat requires immense courage as well as mental, emotional, psychological, and financial strength.

    She questioned why some people feel unsettled by another person’s success, especially that of a woman, urging critics to reflect on the reasons behind their reactions instead of tearing others down.

    She wrote, “The Jollof Rice no sweet. I have been angry since yesterday, and if I don’t express my thoughts, I won’t be fine.

    “It is heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness.

    Since yesterday, my timeline hasn’t rested, posts, and banters everywhere, people saying things like “e no sweet”, cooking na achievement? And I keep asking – what is going on with us? What has changed in our mindset as humans?

    “It takes real courage to attempt something extraordinary. It takes courage to dream big. But bringing that dream into reality takes even more than courage. It demands a whole lot of preparedness mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and financially.

    Read Also: Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    “I have just been angry since yesterday. Go somewhere private, where no one can distract you. Place your right hand on your left chest. That’s where your heart beats. Now ask yourself, slowly but honestly:

    “Why am I triggered by the success of a woman trying to make a mark in her field?

    “Sit with that question. Your answer might just be the doorway to your healing.

    She prayed for God to give critics peace and happiness that surpass human understanding and heal them from past pains that may have led to bitterness and toxicity.

    “May God give us peace and happiness that surpass human understanding, and heal us from past pains that have transcended into bitterness, tox!city, and hatr€d”, she added.

  • Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Chef Hilda Baci has expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans, sponsors, and well-wishers for their unwavering support following her achievement of cooking the largest pot of jollof rice.

    The grand cookathon, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, was described by Baci as a proof of unity, love, and faith.

    Thousands gathered to witness the historic feat, as her team worked tirelessly to ensure its success despite challenges, including a collapsed pot.

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    In a post on Instagram, Baci wrote, “Support has the power to turn heavy dreams into living realities. What happened here was beyond a record; it was a testimony of unity, love, and faith. People came from near and far, friends, colleagues, fans, and family, all standing shoulder to shoulder with me. My team poured their hearts into every detail, proving that when many hands and many spirits move as one, the impossible becomes possible. I am profoundly grateful. To every single person who prayed, showed up, cheered, and worked, this moment belongs to all of us.”

    Baci’s accomplishment not only broke records but also showcased Nigerian culinary excellence and cultural heritage.

    The federal government commended her effort as a symbol of Nigeria’s global excellence.

  • Hilda Baci distributes leftover jollof rice to Lagos residents

    Hilda Baci distributes leftover jollof rice to Lagos residents

    Chef Hilda Baci is giving away the massive amount of jollof rice left over from her Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice.

    The event, held at Eko Hotel in Lagos, on Friday, produced thousands of kilograms of rice, and despite packaging and distribution efforts, there’s still a significant amount available.

    Hilda has invited Lagos residents to come and collect the food, encouraging them to bring containers or coolers to take home.

    She assured that the food is well-prepared and abundant and is committed to ensuring none of it goes to waste.

    In a video message, she stated that she would remain at the venue until the giant pot is emptied, stressing that everyone in Lagos is welcome to partake in the meal.

    Read Also: Hilda Baci completes jollof rice challenge, awaits Guinness’ verdict

    She said: “We’re still packaging food. There is still so much food. Please, you guys, come through and come and get the food. It’s a lot and we cannot waste it. Please, the food is good. I promise you, a trial will convince you. Just come through, you can bring your coolers. See, we still have so much food.

    “Even with all the packaging, there is still so much food. Please, I beg you, you guys, you can come to Eko Hotel. This is 6 a.m. I’m not leaving this place.

    “I’ve been here since the day before yesterday. And I’m not going to leave this place until this pot is empty and until everybody in Lagos has eaten from this food. So, please, you people should come and get this food.”

    Her team has already started distributing food to road users in Lagos and she’s urging everyone to come and collect some.

  • Hilda Baci’s giant jollof pot collapses during record attempt

    Hilda Baci’s giant jollof pot collapses during record attempt

    Drama unfolded during Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice. 

    The massive pot unexpectedly collapsed while being lifted for weighing at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. 

    Fortunately, no injuries were reported. 

    The incident occurred after a full day of successful preparation and cooking, with thousands of attendees and celebrities in attendance.

    Hilda Baci had aimed to cook 4,000 kilograms of rice, enough to feed over 20,000 people. 

    The cooking process took almost nine hours and the event was the culmination of nearly a year of planning. 

    The event was described as a festival of Nigerian jollof, celebrating West African food, music, and culture.

    The collapse of the pot has raised questions about whether the record attempt will be recognised by Guinness World Records as the final measurement is crucial for certification. 

    Nevertheless, Hilda Baci’s effort has been widely praised.

    The Nation reports that the event, which began on Friday, drew a huge crowd of Gen Zers, millennials, food lovers, and celebrities, and it has been described as a festival of Nigerian jollof. 

    Baci, who previously earned global recognition for her Guinness World Record cooking marathon in 2023, said the goal of this record attempt is to showcase Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.

  • Why I cooked 200 bags of rice instead of planned 250 – Hilda Baci

    Why I cooked 200 bags of rice instead of planned 250 – Hilda Baci

    Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has explained why she scaled down her plan to cook 250 bags of rice to 200 bags in her bid to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice. 

    Speaking to newsmen at the venue, Baci said the decision was purely technical, as the measuring crane and scale had a weight limit of 20,000 kilograms, including the custom-made pot.

    According to her, the 200 bags of rice, weighing 4,000 kilogrammes, are still expected to feed over 20,000 people. 

    “If you notice when we started we weighed the pot and we need to weigh every single thing that goes into the pot when we’re done.

    “The goal was that by the time I was done making 5,000 kilogrammes I was hoping to achieve about 17,000 to 18,000 kilogrammes. Right now, if I include the weight of the pot, that’s about 20,000.

    “The average crane and the measuring device can only weigh 20,000 kilogrammes.

    “It’s safer for me to go below 20,000 kilogrammes so that my scale can carry it all at the same time and basically that is why I had to cut down on the quantity and I only cut it down by a thousand kilogrammes.

    “This 4,000 kilogrammes of rice is 200 bags of rice and it will still feed 20,000 people so we’re still up there,” Hilda said.

    The event, which began Friday morning, has since taken on the feel of a carnival with music, dancing, and appearances from public figures, including actress Funke Akindele, dancer Kaffy, and the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun.

    Baci described this feat as the most ambitious of her career, requiring almost a year of planning. 

    She added that the cooking process itself took almost nine hours to complete.

    “Honestly, Gino and I figuring this whole thing out was hectic. Figuring out how to fabricate the pots, it took Mr. Ayo two months to figure out and fabricate the pots.

    “Then it took us about nine months to plan this event and it took us almost nine hours to make the entire meal,” she revealed.

    Baci found the experience rewarding, emphasising that the goal was to bring people together and feed as many as possible. 

    “It was challenging but very exciting at the same time. We’re not done because we need to distribute the food and make sure that everybody that has come here eats to their satisfaction.

    “So we’re still on it but so far I’m very happy, you know, with where we are and what we’ve been able to achieve today,” Baci said.

    She revealed that the project wasn’t initially conceived as a Guinness World Record attempt but rather 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 mean, have you looked around? There’s a lot of you. Some of you came with your cooler, so we need to make sure everybody’s fed. We’re feeding the nation,” she said.

    The event has garnered significant attention, with Guinness World Records posting a message of encouragement on social media. 

    ”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 organisation wrote on X.

    The recognition comes just two years after Guinness certified Baci’s 2023 cook-a-thon, which brought her global fame and inspired many young Nigerians to explore the culinary industry.

  • Hilda Baci completes jollof rice challenge, awaits Guinness’ verdict

    Hilda Baci completes jollof rice challenge, awaits Guinness’ verdict

    Celebrity Chef Hilda Baci, on Friday, inched closer to achieving a culinary feat by cooking the largest pot of jollof rice, as she completed the challenge and now aims for recognition from the Guinness World Records (GWR).

    Congratulating her on the feat, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the effort as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.”

    Idris gave the commendation through the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, at the event venue, Eko Hotel and Suites, in Lagos, on Friday.

    On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Idris wished Baci success in her quest, stressing that her achievement would be a collective national victory.

    “The Federal Government lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map.

    “Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” he said.

    Idris further pledged the Federal Government’s support for the initiative and similar projects that promote Nigerian excellence abroad.

    “We recognise and celebrate Nigerians like Hilda Baci who serve as ambassadors of our nation’s capabilities, talents, culture, and food,” he said.

    The minister also praised her meticulous preparation and adherence to hygiene standards, noting that such professionalism reflects “the quality and integrity that define Nigerian excellence.”

    The minister urged the thousands of young Nigerians who thronged the venue to emulate Baci’s discipline and hard work, expressing optimism that Baci’s record attempt would inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and creatives.

    “We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” he added.

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    Baci, who shot to fame in 2023 after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour effort, took up the ambitious challenge using a six-metre-wide custom-built pot.

    Anticipation heightened on Thursday as fans, food lovers, and media crews thronged the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos to witness the feat.

    Fans thronged the venue before 8:30 a.m., and by 9:20 a.m., they gained entrance into the event. At about 1:30 p.m., however, the cooking had yet to commence, but the festive atmosphere was already in full swing.

    Baci announced that over 20,000 people registered to attend the event as she plans to cook 250 bags of rice in a specially built 22,619-litre pot, with servings available for attendees once the record-setting dish is completed.

    The venue transformed into a mini food festival as vendors offered popular Nigerian snacks, meals, and drinks from different ethnic groups. Content creators and influencers roamed with cameras, capturing the vibrant crowd, while security officials and paramedics stood by to ensure safety.

    Jollof rice, a staple dish across West Africa, has long been a cultural marker of pride, particularly for Nigeria and Ghana, where its preparation is often the subject of spirited rivalry.

  • Hilda Baci launches record-breaking jollof rice cooking attempt

    Hilda Baci launches record-breaking jollof rice cooking attempt

    Celebrity chef Hilda Baci on Friday embarked on a Guinness World Record attempt to cook the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

    The event featured a custom-made pot measuring six meters wide and 1.3 meters deep, with Baci aiming to cook 250 bags of rice—about 5,278 kilograms—to feed thousands.

    Over 20,000 people registered to attend, including Gen Zs, millennials, food lovers, and celebrities. Influencers such as Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Veekee James were present to show support.

    Read Also: Pastor Bolaji Idowu blesses Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record Jollof bid

    Before the cooking began, Baci and her mother prayed together, drawing emotional cheers from the crowd, many of whom hailed her mother as a key pillar of her journey.

    To ensure hygiene, Baci personally scrubbed the giant pot with branded detergent and mopsticks, assuring attendees that the meal would be “amazing and hygienic.”

    The festival, live-streamed on social media, allowed fans worldwide to witness the feat, which highlights Baci’s culinary expertise and national pride.

    This follows her 2023 Guinness World Record achievement for the longest cooking marathon.