On Friday, 12 September 2025, Lagos turned into the stage for a culinary spectacle like no other. At the World Jollof Festival, hosted at Eko Hotel & Suites, Car Park B, Guinness World Record-holding chef Hilda Baci cooked up 200 bags of rice — not just to feed the crowd, but to pass across a bigger message.
Why She Did It
Hilda’s motivation wasn’t only to set another milestone, but to use food as a tool of unity and kindness. With inflation biting hard and millions struggling to afford basics, she said the project was her way of reminding Nigerians that food is dignity, and sharing is love.
“I wanted to show that no matter how tough things are, we can always look out for one another,” Hilda explained, noting that her culture of cooking has always been about bringing people together.
Initially billed for Muri Okunola Park, the event had to be moved to Eko Hotel & Suites after overwhelming interest. Over 20,000 people registered for free entry — families, students, artisans, and even tourists — all eager to be part of the experience. And none left hungry: every meal was served free of charge.
200 Bags, 22,000 Litres
The plan was for 250 bags of rice, but technical hitches with the giant weighing equipment trimmed it down to 200 bags. Still, the numbers were staggering: nearly 4,000 kilograms of rice, stewing in a six-metre-wide custom pot holding over 22,000 litres of jollof. It was enough to feed thousands and still spark a conversation about what generosity looks like.
More Than a Meal
For attendees, it was a festival of community spirit. Music, dancing, children clutching steaming plates, and elders smiling as they carried food packs home painted a picture larger than the food itself. “It feels good to be part of something this big and this kind,” said a participant, beaming with satisfaction.
The Bigger Picture
Hilda’s project has now gone beyond being a one-day culinary event. It has become a case study in how public figures can use their influence for impact. By cooking rice on such a massive scale, she didn’t just break boundaries; she broke bread with her people.
In the end, it was never just about the rice. It was about hope, compassion, and one woman’s belief that food can be the language of love in difficult times.
