Nigeria’s beloved celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, is once again preparing to etch her name in history books. After captivating the world in 2023 with her marathon cooking challenge, the restaurateur is back with a bold new dream: to cook the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice ever made.
The announcement, shared on her Instagram and TikTok accounts, has set social media buzzing with excitement, humor, and pride across West Africa.
The Dream Pot of Jollof
This time, it’s not just about endurance—it’s about scale. Standing beside a massive 6 by 6-meter pot, Hilda expressed her passion for the challenge in words that struck deep:
“Some dreams keep us awake until we make them reality. In 2023, it was the Hilda Baci cook-a-thon that took the world by storm. This year, it’s jollof—the heartbeat of West Africa. A taste that tells our story. It’s more than cooking; it’s a celebration of our food, our culture, music, and us.”
The culinary giant is partnering with Gino, a household name in Nigerian kitchens, to bring this vision to life. The event is scheduled for September 12, 2025, at Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Two years ago, I imagined the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice the world has ever seen. Today, with Gino, a brand we all grew up with—my dream is becoming a reality. On 12th September 2025, I will be making the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice with you, because what is my jollof rice without you to enjoy it?”
Social Media Reactions
Of course, Nigerians and Ghanaians couldn’t resist adding their usual spice of humour. Some of the funniest reactions include:
-
peculiar: “My problem is where are you going to stand to turn the jollof rice 😏😩.”
-
Nyarkoa: “This has already happened in Ghana before.”
-
1PROMPT Cuisine: “She was standing in the pot 😭😭😭.”
-
pelumib37: “Imagine accidentally falling inside the pot while the Jollof stew is boiling 😩😩.”
-
Nana: “The amount of Maggie cubes will be astonishing.”
-
Kwansema Quansah: “It’s a WIN for all of us WEST AFRICANS. Proud of you, Queen. Love from Ghana 🇬🇭.”
When and Where to Watch
📅 Date: 12th September 2025
📍 Venue: Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos
🎯 Goal: Set a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice
Why it Matters
Jollof rice is more than food, it’s an identity, a source of pride, and sometimes even a friendly rivalry across West Africa. Hilda’s attempt is not just another record-breaking event; it’s a celebration of unity, culture, and the enduring power of dreams.
So, whether you’re team Nigeria or team Ghana, one thing is certain: this September, the whole of West Africa will be watching that pot.
