Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has etched her name into the Guinness World Records once again, cooking the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice — a feat that has ignited both celebration and criticism across the country and beyond.
On September 12, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos, Baci prepared a staggering 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice in a custom-built 22,619-litre pot, more than doubling the required benchmark for the record. Guinness World Records has since confirmed the achievement, which drew throngs of supporters, food enthusiasts, and high-profile guests including Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun and actress Funke Akindele.
Applause and Pushback
The record-breaking cookathon quickly became a social media sensation, with Nigerians expressing pride in seeing the country’s iconic dish spotlighted on a global platform. However, the celebration was not without detractors. Some critics — including a few attendees — claimed the rice was subpar, with the phrase “jollof no sweet” trending online. Detractors argued that taste matters as much as scale, sparking heated debates about the spirit of the record attempt.
Jumoke Odetola Comes to Baci’s Defense
Amid the backlash, Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola defended Baci in a candid Instagram post. Describing the negative comments as “heartbreaking,” Odetola urged Nigerians to applaud rather than undermine greatness: “When a woman achieves something remarkable, it’s sad to see bitterness overshadow her success. We must learn to celebrate one another,” she wrote.
She suggested that such criticism often stems from “toxicity” and past grievances, calling on the public to focus on the milestone and what it represents rather than minor complaints about taste.
The Legacy of the Record
To achieve the monumental feat, organizers reportedly used 200 bags of rice weighing approximately 4,000 kg, feeding more than 20,000 people. The logistics involved a team of chefs, volunteers, and technical experts ensuring both quantity and safety standards were met.
This isn’t Baci’s first brush with world records. She previously captured global attention in 2023 for completing the longest cooking marathon — 93 hours and 11 minutes — though that title was later surpassed by another chef.
Cultural Impact
Beyond the numbers, Baci’s win symbolizes Nigerian creativity, culinary pride, and the growing trend among West African youth to pursue Guinness World Records as a platform for innovation and cultural representation. For many, her achievement is a reminder of jollof rice’s place as a unifying dish in West Africa’s vibrant food culture.
Final Word
While debates over flavor continue to swirl, the consensus among supporters is clear: Hilda Baci’s record is a landmark moment for Nigerian cuisine. As Odetola and many fans insist, the accomplishment deserves respect — not just for its scale, but for the unity, pride, and global recognition it brings to Nigerian food culture.
