Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has once again etched her name into the global hall of fame after being awarded a Guinness World Record for preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice.

The announcement was made via Guinness World Records’ official X account, which read:

“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

The record-breaking feat took place on September 12, 2025, during the ‘Gino World Jollof Festival’ at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event turned into a culinary carnival, attracting thousands of attendees and dominating social media trends across Nigeria and beyond. Among the guests who graced the occasion were top celebrities like Funke Akindele, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, and Pastor Idowu, alongside Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor.

For Baci, this is not her first brush with global recognition. In 2023, she stunned the world by setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Her latest achievement further cements her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated chefs.

Opinion: More Than Just Rice — A Celebration of Culture and Resilience

Hilda Baci’s achievement is not just about a pot of jollof rice; it is a cultural statement. Jollof rice, often the centerpiece of West African celebrations, is more than food—it’s identity, community, and pride on a plate. By taking it to the world stage in such a grand way, Hilda has elevated Nigerian cuisine into a global conversation.

What makes this record even more inspiring is how it symbolizes resilience. Hilda’s journey from her first Guinness triumph in 2023 to this new milestone shows a woman who refuses to rest on past glories. She embodies the Nigerian spirit—bold, relentless, and hungry (pun intended) for excellence.

At a time when Nigeria often makes headlines for its challenges, stories like Hilda’s remind us that there is another Nigeria: one that creates, innovates, and inspires. Her pot of jollof wasn’t just about feeding thousands; it was about nourishing hope, unity, and national pride.

If anything, this record proves that our culture, when celebrated boldly, has the power to not just feed stomachs but also fill hearts across the world.