Nigerian chef Hilda Baci reacted emotionally after the Guinness World Records officially confirmed her record for the largest serving of jollof rice. In a video shared on her TikTok account, she broke down in tears alongside her mother when she got the call from the record officials. She insisted in her message that this achievement belongs to everyone who helped, from her partner sponsor Gino Nigeria to all team members who stirred, packed, and served the massive pot.
Record Details and Confirmation
The record-setting event took place on September 12, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. Guinness verified that the serving weighed 8,780 kilograms and produced about 16,600 plates of jollof rice. The project required intense logistics, including nine continuous hours of cooking and significant resources like 1,200 kilograms of gas. Weeks of preparation preceded the event, including a test run of the giant pot and an early morning setup for ingredients and travel.
Emotional Video and Key Messages
Hilda’s emotional video carried powerful messages. She said the record wasn’t just hers; it belongs to “all of us,” highlighting unity, love, and strength as foundational elements of the success. She also credited Gino Nigeria for creating the platform, and repeatedly thanked every hand that helped, every prayer offered, and every cheer made. Her message emphasizes that, although she led the effort, the record was a collective achievement.
Public Reactions: Pride, Tears, Inspiration
Viewers responded generously. Many said they cried watching the video. Some thanked her for making Nigerians proud. Others praised her humility and her insistence on remembering everyone involved. On social media platforms, expressions ranged from heartfelt gratitude to admiration, with people saying her story inspires them, especially young creators and those involved in communal projects.
What This Means for Hilda Baci and Nigeria
This milestone adds another significant achievement to Hilda Baci’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s leading culinary creators. Her emotional reaction humanizes the achievement, making it more than numbers. For Nigeria and Africa more broadly, the record amplifies pride in local food culture and shows how food brings people together. Also, the success and reaction may encourage more large-scale culinary events, unity around culture, and support for artisans and chefs.
Challenges Behind the Record
Beyond the celebration, the effort required massive coordination. Logistics, safety, cost of materials, and managing a large crowd were all difficult. Moving the venue from the original park to the hotel also reflected efforts to manage scale and public access. Nevertheless, her ability to address those challenges and emerge victorious underscores professionalism, courage, and persistence.
