Celebrity Chef Hilda Baci, on Friday, inched closer to achieving a culinary feat by cooking the largest pot of jollof rice, as she completed the challenge and now aims for recognition from the Guinness World Records (GWR).

Congratulating her on the feat, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the effort as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.”

Idris gave the commendation through the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, at the event venue, Eko Hotel and Suites, in Lagos, on Friday.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Idris wished Baci success in her quest, stressing that her achievement would be a collective national victory.

“The Federal Government lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map.

“Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” he said.

Idris further pledged the Federal Government’s support for the initiative and similar projects that promote Nigerian excellence abroad.

“We recognise and celebrate Nigerians like Hilda Baci who serve as ambassadors of our nation’s capabilities, talents, culture, and food,” he said.

The minister also praised her meticulous preparation and adherence to hygiene standards, noting that such professionalism reflects “the quality and integrity that define Nigerian excellence.”

The minister urged the thousands of young Nigerians who thronged the venue to emulate Baci’s discipline and hard work, expressing optimism that Baci’s record attempt would inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and creatives.

“We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” he added.

Baci, who shot to fame in 2023 after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour effort, took up the ambitious challenge using a six-metre-wide custom-built pot.

Anticipation heightened on Thursday as fans, food lovers, and media crews thronged the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos to witness the feat.

Fans thronged the venue before 8:30 a.m., and by 9:20 a.m., they gained entrance into the event. At about 1:30 p.m., however, the cooking had yet to commence, but the festive atmosphere was already in full swing.

Baci announced that over 20,000 people registered to attend the event as she plans to cook 250 bags of rice in a specially built 22,619-litre pot, with servings available for attendees once the record-setting dish is completed.

The venue transformed into a mini food festival as vendors offered popular Nigerian snacks, meals, and drinks from different ethnic groups. Content creators and influencers roamed with cameras, capturing the vibrant crowd, while security officials and paramedics stood by to ensure safety.

Jollof rice, a staple dish across West Africa, has long been a cultural marker of pride, particularly for Nigeria and Ghana, where its preparation is often the subject of spirited rivalry. (The Nation, but headline rejigged)

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