Nigerian influencers Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Tomike Adeoye on Friday joined hundreds of fans at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, to cheer celebrity chef Hilda Baci as she began her official attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.
Also present was the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, who offered prayers and words of encouragement to Baci shortly before she fired up the giant pot.
Baci, who gained global attention in 2023 after breaking the Guinness World Records record for the longest cooking marathon, is hosting the “Gino Jollof Festival” in partnership with the culinary brand.
The historic cookathon features a custom-built pot said to be six metres wide and six metres tall, into which 250 bags of rice will be prepared for tens of thousands of attendees.
Organisers said the festival, which is free to attend, has already recorded over 20,000 registrations.
Enioluwa, who also supported Baci during her 2023 cook-a-thon, shared videos and photos from the venue, praising her drive and consistency.
He wrote, “There’s truly nothing you set your mind to that you don’t achieve. You’re such a go-getter — an incredible friend, an amazing sister, and one of the best things to happen to my world. I’m so proud of you.
“Today, as you break yet another world record, because I know you will — just know I’m cheering you on with all my heart.
“Wishing you all the success in the world, my love. I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way, no matter the distance. I love you endlessly. Go, Hilda, go! Go Hilda, go!”
Baci assured fans that the jollof rice would be “amazing and hygienic,” promising a record-breaking experience that would showcase Nigerian food on a global stage.
