Nigeria’s celebrity chef Hilda Baci has received government endorsement as she attempts to set a new Guinness World Record for cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described her effort as “another testament to Nigeria’s global excellence.” His remarks were delivered on Friday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, by the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, where Baci unveiled a custom-built six-meter-wide pot for the feat.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria lauds Hilda Baci’s extraordinary effort in putting Nigeria once again on the global map. Her dedication to excellence and her unrelenting pursuit of greatness exemplify the Nigerian spirit that the world has come to appreciate,” Idris said.
The Minister urged young Nigerians to see Baci’s journey as proof that success comes through resilience. “Young Nigerians must understand that success comes through legitimate hard work, perseverance, and commitment to one’s craft. Hilda Baci has shown us that with determination and proper planning, any Nigerian can achieve global recognition and bring honour to our great nation,” he added.
He also pledged the government’s backing for her ongoing Guinness World Record attempt and other ventures that project the country positively. “The Federal Government pledges its full support to endeavours that promote Nigerian excellence globally. We recognize and celebrate Nigerians like Hilda Baci, who serve as ambassadors of our nation’s capabilities, talents, culture, and food,” he said.
Baci, who previously broke the world record for the longest cooking marathon with a 93-hour performance, has again drawn national and international attention. Idris said her latest undertaking reflected not only her professionalism but also Nigeria’s capacity to compete at the highest levels.
“From her previous record-breaking 93-hour cooking marathon to this current ambitious undertaking, Hilda has consistently shown that Nigerians can compete and excel at the highest global standards,” he noted.
The Minister expressed optimism that her example would inspire more young people to channel their creativity into ventures that benefit both themselves and the nation. “We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” Idris said.
He concluded with a message of solidarity: “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Federal Government, I wish Hilda Baci success in this noble endeavour. Her success is Nigeria’s success, and we stand firmly behind her as she writes another glorious chapter in Nigeria’s book of achievements.”
