The Federal Government of Nigeria has thrown its full weight behind celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s bold Guinness World Record attempt for the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, hailing it as a shining testament to the nation’s culinary prowess and unyielding spirit. In a statement that has amplified the buzz around Friday night’s Gino Jollof Festival, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris commended Baci on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, calling her endeavor “a collective national victory in the making.”
Baci, the 28-year-old trailblazer who redefined endurance in 2023 with her record-shattering 93-hour-11-minute cookathon, scaled her latest challenge to cook 200 bags of rice (adjusted from 250 for weighing constraints) in a custom six-meter-wide, 1.3-meter-deep pot at Eko Hotels—drawing over 20,000 ecstatic fans and a constellation of stars like Funke Akindele. Despite the pot’s dramatic collapse during post-cook weigh-in, a Guinness World Records adjudicator sampled the steaming batch and declared it “delicious,” turning potential setback into savory success.
“The Federal Government lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map,” Idris stated, emphasizing how her journey embodies “perseverance, hard work, and legitimate labour.” He pledged continued support for initiatives that showcase Nigeria’s “capabilities, talents, culture, and food,” positioning Baci as a de facto ambassador whose feats inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs and creatives. “We recognise and celebrate Nigerians like Hilda Baci who serve as ambassadors of our nation’s capabilities,” the minister added, underscoring the event’s role in elevating jollof—a West African staple with deep cultural roots—as a symbol of shared heritage and resilience.
The endorsement comes hot on the heels of Guinness World Records’ own pre-event cheer—“What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks”—and aligns with the festival’s communal vibe, where free servings fed thousands and takeaway packs extended the feast citywide. X exploded with patriotic pride, from “FG get sense! Hilda na our jollof general 🇳🇬 #HildaBaciJollof” to “From cookathon to pot queen—government knows a winner when they see one!” as users shared clips of Baci’s prayerful prep with her mother and Akindele’s ladle-wielding cameo.
As Baci awaits the final GWR verdict—pot mishap notwithstanding—this federal fanfare cements her not just as a chef, but as a catalyst for national unity through flavor. In a year of economic headwinds, her spice-infused saga reminds us: Sometimes, the biggest wins start with a single stir.