Guinness World Records has officially confirmed Nigerian celebrity chef and foodpreneur Hilda Baci’s latest groundbreaking achievement, awarding her the prestigious title for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, a milestone that has now etched her name even deeper into the annals of global culinary history.
This confirmation came just days after the ambitious and highly publicized cook-off event, which drew an extraordinary amount of attention both offline and online, dominating social media conversations across Nigeria and beyond. The feat sparked excitement, debates, and admiration from food enthusiasts, celebrities, and global audiences who watched the journey unfold.
In a post shared on its verified X account, Guinness World Records made the official announcement, writing: “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 statement was accompanied by images and video clips showing the massive pot of steaming jollof rice that has since become the talk of the town.
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 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/ErJLEJR5Qr
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 15, 2025
History of the cook-off
The grand cooking spectacle was staged at the iconic Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on September 12, 2025. Hilda Baci, who already made history in 2023 by clinching a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, was determined to push the boundaries yet again with this massive food challenge. This time, she was not only competing against herself but also elevating Nigerian cuisine on the world stage in an unprecedented way.
The event was heavily supported by top brands and graced by high-profile dignitaries, celebrities, and influencers. Among them were Nollywood icon Funke Akindele, media personalities like Enioluwa and Tomike, as well as Pastor Idowu and Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor. Their presence, alongside the thousands of fans who trooped to the venue, turned the cook-off into not just a Guinness record attempt but also a cultural festival celebrating Nigerian resilience and creativity.
With Gino as her official partner brand, Hilda went all out to create what Guinness has now recognized as the biggest pot of jollof rice ever prepared and served. The sight of the gigantic cauldron filled with rich, flavorful jollof was both astonishing and symbolic — a statement of abundance, togetherness, and pride in Nigerian heritage.
Have @hildabacicooks and Gino just won the 'Jollof Wars'? pic.twitter.com/JFGcWGfYqY
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 15, 2025
However, the event did not pass without criticism. Some attendees claimed the rice lacked taste, sparking heated online discussions about whether the pressure of cooking in such large quantities affected the outcome. While detractors focused on flavor, supporters highlighted the sheer scale and coordination of the project, arguing that the purpose was far bigger than taste — it was about breaking barriers and creating history. Regardless of the mixed reviews, the overwhelming consensus remains that the cook-off was a resounding success.
A new chapter for Hilda
This monumental achievement has now added another feather to Hilda’s already impressive cap, solidifying her status as one of Africa’s most daring culinary stars. Once again, she has placed Nigerian jollof rice on the global spotlight, amplifying its cultural significance and reigniting debates about the legendary “Jollof Wars” between West African nations.
What makes this triumph even more remarkable is the timeline: with less than three years between her two Guinness World Records, Hilda has shown that consistency, courage, and bold vision can deliver extraordinary outcomes. Her story is not just about food, but about perseverance, national pride, and the audacity to dream on a global scale.
With this new recognition, Hilda Baci continues to inspire millions of young Africans to chase big dreams and prove that no ambition is too audacious to pursue. Her journey is proof that with resilience and determination, even a simple dish like jollof rice can become a tool for uniting people, telling powerful stories, and reshaping narratives on the world stage.