The achievement, verified by Guinness World Records in September 2025, came to life during a massive cookout in Lagos that drew over 20,000 attendees, including celebrities, influencers, and jollof enthusiasts from across the nation. What started as a bold vision to spotlight Nigeria’s iconic dish turned into a historic milestone, solidifying Baci’s status as the first Nigerian chef to hold multiple Guinness titles and a true ambassador for African gastronomy.
From Endurance Queen to Jollof Legend: Hilda’s Remarkable Journey
Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, first captured the world’s attention in May 2023 with her record-shattering cooking marathon – a grueling 93 hours and 11 minutes of non-stop culinary creation that broke barriers and inspired a generation. That triumph wasn’t just about endurance; it was a powerful statement on passion, purpose, and the unbreakable Nigerian hustle.
Fast-forward to September 2025, and Baci was back in the spotlight, this time channeling her energy into something equally monumental: the largest-ever pot of jollof rice. The event wasn’t without its heart-stopping moments – the custom-made 23,000-liter pot dramatically collapsed during hoisting for weighing, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Undeterred, Baci’s team rallied, compiling irrefutable evidence from multiple camera angles to submit to Guinness. Their perseverance paid off, and the record was officially confirmed.
The recipe? A symphony of flavors fit for giants: 4,000 kg of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600 kg of onions, and 168 kg of goat meat, simmered to perfection over nine intense hours. Every last bite was distributed to event-goers and charitable organizations, ensuring zero waste and full compliance with Guinness’s stringent verification guidelines. As Baci herself reflected in a behind-the-scenes revelation, “The pot collapse really scared me,” but it only fueled her determination to make history – twice.
A Feast for the Senses and the Soul: The Jollof Cookout That United a Nation
Picture this: A sun-drenched Lagos field transformed into a vibrant epicenter of food, music, and community. Sponsored by food brand Gino – whose partnership amplified the event’s reach to over five billion people worldwide – the jollof picnic was more than a record attempt. It was a cultural extravaganza, blending the fiery essence of jollof (that eternal debate-settler among West African nations) with live performances, celebrity cameos, and heartwarming philanthropy.
Influencers and stars flocked to witness the spectacle, turning social media into a frenzy of sizzling updates and mouthwatering reels. For Baci, it was a full-circle moment: from her 2021 jollof competition win to global domination. “We [Nigerians] are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for,” she told BBC Pidgin during the event, encapsulating the pride that pulsed through the air.
Faith, Fire, and a Double Portion of Joy: Hilda’s Message of Inspiration
Taking to Instagram to unveil her gleaming new plaque alongside the first, Baci didn’t hold back on the gratitude or the gospel. “A two-time Guinness World Record Holder!!! Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance,” she captioned, quoting Isaiah 61:7. Her words resonated deeply: “This is a story of faith, fire, and history – twice we made history for Nigeria.”
Baci’s dual triumphs aren’t just personal victories; they’re a beacon for aspiring chefs, dreamers, and anyone chasing “a double portion” in their own lane. In an industry often dominated by quick trends, her journey underscores the power of purpose-driven persistence. She’s not just cooking rice – she’s cooking up legacies, one record-breaking pot at a time.
What’s Next for the Queen of the Kitchen?
As Hilda Baci basks in this well-deserved glow, the culinary world watches eagerly. Will she chase a third record? Launch a jollof empire? Or perhaps mentor the next wave of Nigerian food innovators? Whatever the horizon holds, one thing’s certain: with her blend of skill, spirituality, and showmanship, Baci is far from done stirring the pot.
To her fans, supporters, and the entire Naija fam – thank you for fueling this fire. Here’s to more feasts, more firsts, and more reasons to declare: Naija jollof reigns supreme!
What’s your take on Hilda’s double Guinness glory? Drop a comment below – and if you’ve got a killer jollof recipe, we want to hear it!
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