Hilda Baci is back in the spotlight, and this time the Nigerian culinary superstar is taking things up several notches. The woman who stunned the world in 2023 with her record-breaking cooking marathon has officially begun her boldest challenge yet: cooking the largest pot of jollof rice ever made.

This is no ordinary cooking challenge. Picture a pot six metres wide and six metres tall, standing like a mini building in the middle of Lagos. Into it will go 250 bags of rice, rivers of oil, and mountains of tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices. By the end, it should bubble into the biggest, smokiest pot of Nigerian jollof anyone has ever seen.

The historic attempt began on Friday, 12 September, at Eko Hotel, after the original venue, Muri Okunola Park, was quickly outgrown by overwhelming interest. And the numbers tell the story: more than 20,000 people registered to attend, eager to witness Nigeria’s beloved party dish step onto the Guinness World Records stage once again.

The mood was electric even before the first grain of rice touched the pot. Cameras flashed, dancers lit up the crowd, and Lagos turned up in full colour. Hilda and her mother shared a quiet moment of prayer, a simple gesture that drew loud cheers, reminding everyone how much family has been her anchor on this remarkable journey.

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But it was the giant pot itself that stole the early spotlight. Scrubbed spotless, polished under the lights, and standing tall as a symbol of Nigerian pride, it quickly became the day’s most photographed “celebrity.” Hilda even rolled up her sleeves to wash it herself, proudly declaring it “squeaky clean” and ready for history.

For now, the fire is yet to be lit and the rice is yet to cook, but anticipation is already sizzling. Nigeria is putting culture, creativity and resilience in one pot for the world to see. And as the crowd waits, one question hangs in the smoky Lagos air: will Hilda Baci pull it off again?

Anita Chinedu