By Ayomide Otitoju
Celebrity chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has made another Guinness World Record attempt by cooking the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice.
The event, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, under the theme “Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci,” drew more than 20,000 registered participants eager to witness the feat.
According to organisers, the custom-made pot, which took three months to construct in South-West Nigeria, measured about six metres wide with a capacity of 22,619 litres. Although originally designed to hold 5,000 kilogrammes (250 bags) of basmati rice, the quantity was reduced to 4,000 kilogrammes (200 bags) due to weight limitations.
The attempt was not without setbacks. During the weighing process, the pot buckled under pressure as a crane tried to lift it, causing its legs to collapse and the lid to loosen. Despite the structural issues, thousands of servings of Jollof rice were successfully shared among attendees.
Government officials present praised Baci’s determination and creativity, describing her effort as a symbol of Nigerian resilience. Guinness World Records has yet to officially certify the attempt, but the verification process is underway.
