By Emeka Blast 
“Hilda Baci’s Jollof Guinness Record Bid Ends in Turmoil”
What was meant to be a triumphant celebration of culinary ambition and Nigerian pride turned into a scene of chaos late Friday night at Muri Okunola Park, where renowned chef Hilda Baci’s attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice ended in disaster. The custom-built, 6-meter-wide cooking vessel, filled with a steaming mountain of Baci’s signature jollof rice, collapsed under its own weight as it was hoisted by a crane for the critical weighing process, spilling its contents and scattering a crowd of over 20,000 spectators.
The incident, which unfolded just before midnight, has left the fate of Baci’s record-breaking attempt in limbo, with Guinness World Records officials yet to confirm whether the weighing was completed or if the attempt will be disqualified. As emergency crews worked to secure the site and disappointed fans took to social media to express their support, Baci remained optimistic, thanking her supporters and vowing to await the official verdict.
Hilda Baci, a household name in Nigeria since her 2023 Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (93 hours and 11 minutes), had set her sights on a new milestone: preparing the largest single pot of jollof rice ever recorded. The event, dubbed the “Jollof Jamboree,” was a spectacle from the start. By mid-morning on Friday, Muri Okunola Park was buzzing with excitement as Baci and her team of over 100 chefs, assistants, and volunteers began the Herculean task of cooking 200 bags of Basmati rice in a specially designed pot that weighed over two tons when empty.
The massive vessel, constructed by a local engineering firm, was a marvel in itself. Measuring 6 meters in diameter and 2 meters deep, it was fitted with industrial burners and a reinforced steel frame to withstand the heat and weight of the ingredients. Over nine hours, Baci’s team meticulously prepared the dish, combining thousands of liters of tomato stew, spices, vegetables, and proteins to create a jollof rice that filled the air with an irresistible aroma. Spectators, ranging from local foodies to international journalists, marveled at the scale of the operation, with live music, food stalls, and cultural performances turning the event into a festival.
“This is more than just a record attempt,” Baci told reporters earlier in the day. “It’s about showcasing Nigerian cuisine to the world and bringing our people together through the love of jollof.”
As the cooking neared completion, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The plan was to lift the pot using a heavy-duty crane for weighing, a requirement for Guinness World Records certification. At approximately 11:45 p.m., the crane began hoisting the pot, which was estimated to weigh over 10 tons with the cooked jollof. The crowd held its breath as the vessel inched upward, but within moments, disaster struck.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud groan of metal, followed by a sickening crunch as the pot’s structure buckled. The rim of the vessel crumpled, and a cascade of jollof rice, still steaming, spilled onto the ground, sending spectators scrambling for safety. Shouts of panic mixed with gasps of disbelief as the once-majestic pot tilted precariously, forcing crane operators to lower it hastily.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Tunde Adeyemi, a local vendor who had been serving drinks at the event. “One minute, we were cheering for Hilda, and the next, the whole thing just collapsed. It was like watching a dream fall apart.”
Emergency crews, on standby as a precaution, quickly cordoned off the area to prevent injuries. Miraculously, no one was harmed, though the spilled jollof created a slippery hazard that took hours to clear. Guinness World Records officials, who were present to oversee the attempt, were seen conferring urgently as the crowd dispersed, many visibly shaken but still chanting Baci’s name in solidarity.
The collapse has cast significant doubt on whether Baci’s attempt will be recognized by Guinness World Records. According to the organization’s guidelines, the entire dish must be weighed to verify its size, and the food must be edible and distributed for consumption. While Baci’s team had planned to donate portions of the jollof to local charities, the spill may complicate this requirement. It remains unclear whether the weighing process was completed before the collapse or if partial measurements will suffice.
A Guinness World Records spokesperson declined to comment immediately, stating, “We are reviewing the incident and will provide an update once all details are assessed.” The organization’s meticulous standards mean that even a minor deviation from protocol could invalidate the attempt, leaving Baci and her supporters in agonizing suspense.
Despite the setback, Baci remained composed in the aftermath, taking to social media to address her fans. In a post on X at 1:23 a.m., she wrote: “We gave it our all, and I’m so grateful for the love and support from everyone who came out tonight. Whatever the outcome, this was for Nigeria, for jollof, for us. Thank you. ❤️ #JollofJamboree”
Her message sparked an outpouring of encouragement, with hashtags like #HildaJollof and #JollofJamboree trending across Nigeria and beyond. Celebrities, chefs, and fans alike voiced their admiration for Baci’s ambition and resilience. “Hilda is a national treasure,” posted popular musician Davido. “Record or no record, she’s already won our hearts.”
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse, focusing on the structural integrity of the pot and the safety protocols surrounding the crane operation. Preliminary reports suggest that the vessel may have been overloaded beyond its design capacity, though the engineering firm responsible has not yet commented.
The incident has reignited discussions about jollof rice’s cultural significance in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where it is a beloved staple and the subject of playful rivalries with neighboring countries like Ghana and Senegal. Baci’s attempt was seen as a bold statement of Nigerian culinary pride, and many hope that the setback will not overshadow the event’s unifying spirit.
“This wasn’t just about breaking a record,” said Amaka Okoye, a food historian who attended the event. “It was about celebrating our heritage, our creativity, and our ability to come together. Hilda embodied that, and no spilled pot can take that away.”
As the nation awaits Guinness World Records’ decision, Baci’s team has vowed to continue their charitable efforts, with plans to distribute any salvaged jollof to local communities. For now, the Jollof Jamboree will be remembered not only for its dramatic end but for the passion and unity it inspired.
Hilda Baci’s jollof rice record attempt may have ended in a literal spill, but it was a triumph of ambition and community spirit. The collapse of the pot is a reminder that even the grandest plans can falter, but it’s the courage to dream big that defines progress. Whether or not Guinness World Records validates the attempt, Baci has already stirred something greater: a renewed appreciation for Nigerian culture and the power of collective support. We salute her and look forward to her next culinary adventure.
