Hilda Baci Stirs Up Record Attempt: 4,000kg Jollof Rice Challenge Heats Up Lagos

Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Attempts to Break Jollof Rice World Record LAGOS, NIGERIA - In a bid to claim the title of world's largest pot of jollof rice, Nigerian chef and former Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci attempted to cook an astonishing 4,000kg (8,800 lb) of the popular West African dish. The attempt, which took place in Lagos on Saturday, drew thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the culinary feat. Baci's team used a custom-made pot with a capacity of almost 23,000 litres and giant spatulas to stir the massive quantity of jollof rice. According to eyewitnesses, it took several hours for the dish to cook, and now the Guinness World Record officials will validate the achievement with photo and video evidence. "It's been one year in the making," Baci, 28, told BBC Pidgin in an interview. "We are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for. It would make sense if we had the biggest pot of jollof rice; it would be nice for the country." Baci's previous record was set in 2023 when she cooked for 93 hours and 11 minutes, nearly four days, to claim the title of longest cooking marathon. The attempt was not without its challenges. "It took a lot of planning and execution," said Baci's team member, who wished to remain anonymous. "We had to ensure that the custom-made pot could handle the massive quantity of food, and we also had to coordinate with the Guinness World Record officials to ensure everything went smoothly." The attempt has sparked excitement among Nigerians, who see it as a way to showcase their country's culinary prowess. "Jollof rice is a staple in Nigeria, and for us to have the biggest pot of it would be a great achievement," said Lagos resident, Aisha Mohammed. As the Guinness World Record officials review the evidence, Baci remains optimistic about breaking the record. "We're confident that we've done everything right, and we're looking forward to getting the validation," she said. The outcome of the attempt will be announced in due course, but one thing is certain - Hilda Baci's team has set a new benchmark for jollof rice enthusiasts around the world. *Reporting by Bbc.*