Celebrated Nigerian chef and former Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has announced a new, ambitious attempt: on 12 September 2025 she will cook what she aims to declare the world’s largest pot of jollof rice — using 250 bags of rice in a custom-built giant pot. This event will take place in Lagos and is billed as part food festival, part record attempt. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The headline facts (quick view)
- Date: 12 September 2025.
- Location: Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos (organisers’ announcement). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Rice: 250 bags of basmati rice (approx. 5,278 kg by organisers’ calculation). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Pot size: specially built pot roughly 6m × 6m with ~22,619 litres capacity; planned fill target 75–80%. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Purpose: set a new Guinness-style “world’s largest jollof pot” / festival, feed thousands and celebrate Nigerian food culture. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
What Hilda Baci announced — the plan in her words
In a video post on her Instagram account and in media briefings, Hilda (Hilda Effiong Bassey) explained the scale and technical details of the project: the pot has been custom-manufactured to the specifications announced, and the plan is to fill it to roughly 75–80% capacity. She said the organisers calculated the rice requirement at just over 5 tonnes, but she chose to use 250 bags (a rounded, logistical decision). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Where and when — logistics & attendants
Organisers have set the event for 12 September 2025 at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos; the organisers describe the day as a food festival with music, community activities and large-scale serving so the cooked rice will also be used to feed attendees and invited beneficiaries. Several local media outlets report the date and place in their coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Scale and technical details
Reported measurements for the pot are approximately 6 metres wide × 6 metres high with a volume of about 22,619 litres. Filling the pot to the organisers’ target requires thousands of kilograms of rice and over a tonne of tomato paste and other condiments — estimates that Hilda shared publicly as part of the planning breakdown. The team says they worked out ingredient ratios (e.g., tomato base percentages) to preserve the jollof flavour at scale. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Why this matters — context and Hilda’s record history
Hilda Baci shot to global prominence in 2023 after a marathon cookathon that set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. That achievement and her wide social-media reach turned her into a household name across Nigeria and beyond; her new attempt refocuses attention on cultural food celebration (jollof), large-scale community feeding, and the spectacle of record attempts. Observers say such events also attract sponsorship, media tourism, and public conversation about Nigeria’s culinary heritage. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Partners, sponsorship and community goals
Local press coverage notes collaboration with brands and event partners; some reports mention Gino (a tomato paste brand) as a named partner in planning social elements and ingredient supply. Organisers say the event aims to feed thousands (many outlets cite an estimate of around 10,000 people served), and they plan to run hospitality and safety arrangements to manage a large crowd. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Guinness World Records — what would be required
Guinness World Records has specific evidence, measurement and witness requirements for “largest” categories. To claim an official world record (or an equivalent recognised title) the organisers must usually:
- Agree the exact record category and rules with Guinness beforehand (category name, measurement method, allowable food types and preparation method).
- Arrange independent witnesses, properly calibrated measurement and continuous photographic/video evidence, and a full log of ingredients and process steps.
- Submit a formal evidence pack after the attempt for Guinness to verify and (if accepted) to ratify the record.
Food safety and crowd management — what organisers must consider
Cooking on this scale raises practical questions: food-safety protocols, controlled serving temperatures, hygiene and distribution logistics, crowd control, fire and structural safety around a massive pot, and waste management. Professional event and food-safety teams (including accredited caterers, health officials and emergency services) are typically required for large public feeds — the organisers say they are planning those measures, but specific permits and health clearances should be confirmed before the event date. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
How to attend, watch or follow the attempt
• In person: reports list Muri Okunola Park (Victoria Island) as the venue; if you plan to attend, check the organiser’s official channels (Hilda Baci’s verified Instagram/Twitter/pages) for ticketing, gate times, and safety advice. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Livestream / social: Hilda’s social channels and partner pages are the most likely official livestream locations; many record attempts stream their process live for transparency. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Press coverage: national outlets (Guardian Life, Punch, TheCable, Vanguard, DailyPost etc.) are already covering the announcement and will likely report live updates and post-event coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Reactions so far
The announcement has generated strong public interest — many fans and culinary-watchers praised the ambition and cultural focus, while commentators asked practical questions about feasibility and safety. Previous record attempts in the region have drawn both celebration and critical scrutiny; organisers appear prepared for heavy media and regulatory attention. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
What we’re still awaiting (open questions)
- Formal confirmation from Guinness World Records about the exact category and the official rules for the attempt (prior approval or post-event ratification status).
- Public release of the detailed safety and health-permits for a mass feeding event of this scale.
- Final sponsor and logistical manifest (transport, storage, serving plan and independent witnesses list).
Primary sources & reporting for this update: Guardian Life (feature reporting), Vanguard, Punch, TheCable (announcement & image), DailyPost and direct posts from Hilda Baci’s official Instagram. We used thecable’s published image for the header photo (credit below). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}