Drama as Hilda Baci’s Jollof Pot Collapses During Guinness World Record Attempt

Punchngs July 29, 2025

Drama as Hilda Baci’s Jollof Pot Collapses During Guinness World Record Attempt

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13.09.2025
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In an unexpected turn of events, Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci faced a major challenge when her giant jollof rice pot collapsed during her bold attempt to set another record in Lagos. The highly anticipated event, which attracted over 20,000 fans, celebrities, and food lovers, left spectators in shock but also highlighted Hilda’s resilience as a culinary icon.

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The Record Attempt That Stunned Lagos

The free event, tagged the “Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci”, was hosted at the iconic Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Fans had eagerly registered days in advance, with reports indicating that more than 20,000 participants signed up to witness the record-breaking cooking feat.

Long queues stretched outside the venue as attendees verified their registrations, while security struggled to control the massive turnout. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, music, and cultural displays, all pointing to the fact that Nigerians take their jollof rice very seriously.

Central to the event was a custom-made giant cooking pot designed to handle an unprecedented amount of rice. Measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, the pot was built with an impressive capacity of 22,619 litres. This extraordinary size was meant to hold the largest quantity of Nigerian jollof rice ever cooked in a single attempt.

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Originally, Hilda Baci had planned to cook with 5,000 kilogrammes of basmati rice (around 250 bags). However, due to technical and weighing challenges, the quantity was later reduced to 4,000 kilogrammes, approximately 200 bags. Even with this adjustment, it was still one of the most ambitious food events ever attempted on African soil.

As part of the official process, a crane was deployed to lift the enormous pot onto a giant scale for verification by Guinness World Records officials. However, the unexpected happened — the pot gave way under its own massive weight and collapsed, sending spectators into panic.

The sudden incident brought the bustling venue to a standstill. Event staff immediately halted operations to ensure crowd safety. Many attendees gasped in shock, while others pulled out their phones to capture the dramatic moment.

Though shaken by the collapse, Hilda Baci’s team quickly reassured fans and the press that safety was their top priority. A spokesperson for the team said:

“We are reviewing the footage and the entire process. Safety was our priority, and the record attempt will proceed for certification. We remain optimistic that Guinness World Records will recognize the effort.”

The update helped calm the crowd and restored some confidence that the culinary record could still be validated despite the setback.

The festival wasn’t just about food; it was also a cultural and entertainment celebration. The event drew some of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities, including award-winning actress Funke Akindele and musician Falz. Their presence energized the audience and provided moral support for Hilda during the dramatic turn of events.

Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) buzzed with hashtags such as #HildaBaciJollofFest and #WorldRecordAttempt, making the event trend across Nigeria and beyond.

Hilda Baci: From Cook-a-thon to Jollof Record Attempt

Hilda Baci is no stranger to breaking boundaries. She first captured national and global attention in 2023, when she set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. She cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos, an achievement that was later dubbed the “Cookathon.”

The Cookathon not only earned her worldwide recognition but also positioned her as a symbol of Nigerian culinary pride. Since then, Hilda has remained in the spotlight as a chef, influencer, and motivational figure for aspiring creatives across Africa.

This Guinness World Record attempt wasn’t just about cooking rice; it was about national pride, cultural heritage, and Pan-African recognition. Jollof rice, often at the heart of food debates between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, is more than a dish—it’s a cultural icon.

By aiming to set a record with the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, Hilda Baci brought global attention once again to Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions. Despite the collapse of the pot, her courage and determination highlighted the resilience of Nigerian youth and the growing influence of food as a unifying force.

At the time of reporting, it was not yet clear if the weighing process was completed before the collapse. Guinness World Records typically requires strict verification processes, including video evidence, precise measurements, and witness testimonies.

Hilda’s team remains confident that the attempt will still be recognized. Even if this particular effort faces setbacks, the event has already made history by drawing one of the largest culinary crowds in Africa and cementing Hilda Baci’s status as a bold record-chasing chef.

The collapse of the pot sparked mixed reactions online. While some expressed disappointment, others praised Hilda’s boldness in attempting such a massive challenge. Many Nigerians applauded her resilience, pointing out that setbacks are part of every great achievement.

International media outlets also picked up the story, once again putting Nigeria’s culinary culture on the global map. The incident may have caused drama, but it also amplified the visibility of the event beyond what anyone could have imagined.

The dramatic collapse of Hilda Baci’s giant jollof pot may have shocked the crowd, but it did not overshadow the determination, energy, and cultural pride that defined the event. Whether Guinness World Records ultimately recognizes the attempt or not, Hilda has once again shown that Nigerians can dream big and execute bold ideas on a global stage.

Her journey from the Cookathon to this jollof rice festival has inspired millions, and this incident will likely be remembered not as a failure but as a testament to courage and innovation.