After months of anticipation, Nigeria’s culinary star Hilda Baci finally set her plan in motion on Friday with an attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice.

Though Guinness World Records has yet to verify the result, the spectacle laid bare the growing trend in Nigeria toward achieving global acclaim through extraordinary feats.

From feats of endurance and creativity to sports and entertainment, Nigerians have consistently inscribed their names in the Guinness World Records, often turning local talents into global talking points.

While Baci’s latest attempt highlights the country’s vibrant food culture, others before her have broken barriers in music, dance, literature, and even sports.

Here are 10 notable Guinness World Records held by Nigerians:

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke – Largest art canvas (2025)

At just 14 years old, living with autism, Kanyeyachukwu painted a canvas titled “Impossibility is a Myth” that measured 12,381.02 square metres, setting the Guinness World Record for largest art canvas by an individual.

Fola David-Tolaram – World’s largest drawing (2024)

A medical doctor also a professional artist, Fola David spent six days creating a huge drawing titled “The Unity of Diversity” on a canvas of about 1,004.7 m² at Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Hilda Baci – Longest cooking marathon (2023)

Hilda Baci set the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual after cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos. Her feat not only attracted international attention but also showcased Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.

However, in November 2023, Hilda Baci was dethroned as the record-holder when an Irish chef, Alan Fisher, completed a cooking marathon of 119 hours 57 minutes, surpassing her 93-hour 11-minute time.

Gbenga Ezekiel – Skipping feats (2022-2023)

Gbenga Ezekiel from Akure has broken multiple Guinness World Records in rope skipping. Two of his achievements: most skips in one minute on one leg (278 skips), and most double-under skips in one minute on one leg (144 skips).

Bayo Omoboriowo – Largest photo book (2021)

Official photographer to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayo Omoboriowo, curated and produced a 60-square-metre photo book, capturing Nigeria’s political journey.

Stephen Keshi – First African to win AFCON as player and coach (2013)

Late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi became the first African to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and coach, a feat Guinness recognises as a dual achievement in football history.

Adetunwase Adenle – Most children reading aloud with an Adult (2011)

Teacher Adetunwase Adenle brought together 4,222 schoolchildren in Lagos for a mass reading exercise, promoting literacy and setting a record.

DJ Obi – Longest DJ set (2016)

Obi Ajuonuma, known as DJ Obi, entertained audiences for 240 hours nonstop in Lagos, redefining endurance in the music scene.

Kaffy – Longest dance party (2006)

Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, led her team in a record-breaking dance marathon lasting 55 hours and 40 minutes, demonstrating Nigeria’s passion for rhythm and resilience.

Fela Kuti – Most studio recording albums released (1992)

Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti recorded 46 studio albums as a solo artist. His first solo album came out in 1969, and his last in 1992, giving a solo recording span of 23 years. (Saturday PUNCH)

Update news