Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci cooked her way into the Guinness World Records once again earlier this month, this time with a feat that settles the long-running “Jollof Wars” in Nigeria’s favour.
On September 15, 2025, Guinness World Records officially confirmed Hilda’s record for the largest serving of jollof rice—a jaw-dropping 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds) prepared at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, during a two-day cookathon (September 12–13).
The event drew over 20,000 people on site and millions more online, who watched as Hilda turned pots of rice, peppers, and spices into history. True to Nigerian food culture, the record-breaking meal was shared with thousands of guests and community members, ensuring nothing went to waste.
At a press conference and surprise party held for the chef at GBFoods headquarters in Ikeja Lagos, Hilda Baci revealed how personal her latest record was. “Growing up, Jollof rice wasn’t the easiest dish for me to master—it always felt like something was missing,” she confessed at a post-record press briefing. “Over time, I realised Nigerian jollof is more than just rice, it’s an experience. What we created was my way of showcasing a flavour that represents who we are.”
Reflecting on the impact of the celebration and what it means for Gino’s place in everyday Nigerian homes, Oreoluwa Atinmo, Marketing Director of GBFoods Nigeria, shared her perspective on the brand’s story and heritage, saying, “This achievement has amplified what Gino has always represented. For decades, Gino has been a household name, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. More than anything, this record reinforces what Gino stands for: excellence, quality, and continuous innovation in bringing authentic local flavours to families everywhere.”
This latest triumph comes just two years after Hilda shot to fame with her 100-hour cooking marathon attempt in May 2023, which Guinness later confirmed at 93 hours, 11 minutes—a record that turned her into a household name across Africa. Although Irish chef Alan Fisher later broke that record, Hilda’s latest accomplishment cements her reputation as a trailblazer for Nigerian cuisine.
The record sparked widespread celebration across Nigeria, with public figures, including Peter Obi, congratulating her online. Many hailed the achievement as a moment of national pride—proof of Nigeria’s creativity, resilience, and culinary excellence.
For years, countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Sierra Leone have claimed superiority in the “Jollof Wars,” but Hilda’s monumental serving may have given Nigeria the bragging rights, at least for now.
With two Guinness World Records under her belt, Hilda Baci has evolved into more than a chef—she’s a cultural ambassador putting Nigerian food on the global map. And if history is any guide, she’s not done yet.
