Over 20,000 Expected as Hilda Baci Prepares to Cook Mega Jollof Rice at Eko Hotel

Excitement is building in Lagos as celebrated Nigerian chef Hilda Baci prepares to attempt cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice today, Friday, September 12, 2025, at Eko Hotel & Suites. The event, part of the much-anticipated World Jollof Festival, has drawn unprecedented interest, with over 20,000 people registered to attend. Originally slated to take place at Muri Okunola Park, the festival had to be relocated to Eko Hotel’s Car Park B due to the overwhelming response. The park could only accommodate 3,000 attendees, making the new venue necessary to host the growing crowd. Chef Baci expressed her delight over the change, describing it as an opportunity to make the celebration “bigger, bolder, and more unifying.” The festival, which is free and open to the public, will kick off at 9:00 AM, promising a day filled with cultural festivities, live performances, food exhibitions, and immersive experiences celebrating Nigeria’s beloved jollof rice. Organizers emphasize that the event is not just about breaking a Guinness World Record but also about highlighting the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria and fostering unity through food. “This is more than a cooking event; it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and community,” Chef Baci said. Her team has been working tirelessly to prepare the massive pot of jollof rice, which is expected to draw attention both locally and internationally. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on multiple digital platforms, allowing global audiences to join in the celebration. Food experts and cultural enthusiasts have lauded the initiative, noting that the festival serves as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s gastronomic prowess to the world. Beyond the spectacle of cooking the mega jollof rice, the event also underscores the unifying power of food in bringing people together across generations and cultures. As the festival opens its gates, anticipation continues to mount. Thousands of jollof lovers are expected to witness history in the making, celebrating a dish that has become synonymous with Nigerian pride and culinary excellence. The World Jollof Festival promises to be a memorable day of flavor, entertainment, and national pride.