Nigerian journalist and social commentator, Bello Galadanci, widely known as Dan Bello, has stirred controversy on social media after openly mocking celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s latest Guinness World Record attempt for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice.
The high-profile event, which drew an estimated 20,000 attendees including celebrities, politicians, and food enthusiasts, was hailed by many as a cultural milestone and a unifying moment for Nigerians across social and economic divides. However, Dan Bello took to his X handle to strongly criticise the event, calling it a misplaced priority in a country grappling with severe economic hardship, insecurity, and lack of infrastructural development.
In his post, Bello contrasted Nigeria’s focus on food-based celebrations with global advancements in science, technology, and industry. He argued that while nations such as the United States, Germany, South Korea, and China are making historic strides in artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion, and space exploration, Nigeria is preoccupied with “the heroic act of stirring jollof rice.”
Dan Bello’s mockery of Hilda Baci’s jollof record attempt
In his own words, Bello wrote: “Nigeria has finally found its true destiny: not in satellites, not in science, not in industry, but in a big steaming pot of Guinness-certified rice. While other nations are busy cracking nuclear fusion and inventing AI that can write symphonies, our heroes are sweating over bags most likely imported from Thailand and stove made in China, to break the record for ‘Biggest Cooking of Jellof Rice.’”
Beyond his criticism of the event, Dan Bello accused the government of being more concerned about the optics of the record attempt than the deeper social issues it highlighted. According to him, what truly unsettled authorities was not the celebration of food, but the fact that the rice was freely distributed to thousands of hungry Nigerians. He claimed that hunger has long been weaponised by the political class as a tool of control, especially during election cycles.
“How dare you fill the stomachs of the poor when hunger is the government’s number one instrument of policy! If people stop being hungry, who will clap for bags of rice during elections?” he wrote, dripping with sarcasm.
He further described Nigeria as a country that has “perfected hunger” while the rest of the world advances in innovation, technology, and industrial productivity. His statement ignited widespread debates on X, attracting thousands of comments, reposts, and heated arguments among Nigerians both in support and against his remarks.
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Public backlash and mixed reactions
While some Nigerians supported his criticisms, others accused him of belittling Hilda Baci’s hard work and achievements. They argued that personal pursuits such as culinary excellence should not be invalidated simply because of the nation’s broader struggles.
@AyoBankole countered: “For the first time, I disagree with Dan Bello. Same can be said of you that while youths of other countries are leading ground breaking inventions in industry and science, our youths are busy making videos on TikTok and writing long threads to criticize govt. But no, we don’t say that, we cheer you on and celebrate your creativity. Hilda Baci is a chef. It’s perfectly fine for her to aspire to break whatever records and achieve whatever feat she deems fit in her career. It doesn’t stop others in science from pursuing their aspirations too. As Hilda is doing hers, hundreds of young people are building in technology and industry and yes even science.”
@Airdropglobal5 reacted: “It’s just ridiculous. While others are looking for ways to take humans to Mars or build world class AI, Nigerians are lining up for a free plate of meatless soggy jollof rice. It is well.”
@marvelous_oko stated: “20,000 Gen Z including some celebrities gathered to witness a big pot of jellof rice very funny. But could not come out to speak up for a nation that’s draining by the day daily. But could not come out to show support on the killings and kidnappings going on in the country. Funny thing, they were security operatives everywhere especially police to ensure a free and fair rice cooking. But during election same security operatives is do or die.”
@ademi_nokan added: “We are too emotional and take things too seriously. Hilda Bassey is a chef, and makes money from cooking, she is one person out of over 200m Nigeria doing her thing. Now she’s got love and support from family, friends and fans, and NO, the people there are not poor, some travel through land, sea and ✈️ to support her, many celebrities are there too. Truth is some of you lack love and support from home and see negatives in most kindness. Everything on this X people must do chochocho chiwawa opinions.”
The debate continues online, with many Nigerians divided between seeing Hilda Baci’s feat as a cultural pride worth celebrating and others echoing Dan Bello’s concerns about misplaced national priorities.