Food influencer and Guinness World Records holder Hilda Baci began her attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice on Friday at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
Baci, who gained global recognition in 2023 for setting the record for the longest cooking marathon, is now working with a custom-built pot measuring six meters wide and six meters tall. She plans to use 250 bags of rice, equivalent to 5,278 kilogrammes of raw basmati rice, to fill the 22,619-liter pot to at least 80 percent capacity.
Before the cooking commenced, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, offered prayers of blessing for the event.
The festival has already attracted over 20,000 registered attendees, with social media influencers such as Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks, and Vicky James present to lend support.
Addressing the crowd, Baci assured Nigerians and international guests that the jollof rice would be “amazing and hygienic”, promising a world-class culinary experience that celebrates Nigeria’s rich food heritage.
The Guinness World Records organization has officially acknowledged her attempt and extended best wishes for success.
The Gino Jollof Festival is free and open to the public, making it not just a record-breaking bid but also a celebration of Nigerian cuisine and culture.