Hilda Baci fights tears as pastor Bolaji prays at Jollof attempt

It was an emotional scene at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Friday as celebrity chef Hilda Baci kicked off her attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of Jollof rice.

The Guinness title holder for the longest cooking marathon in 2023 returned to the spotlight with the “Gino Jollof Festival,” drawing thousands who came to watch her cook 250 bags of rice in a pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall.

Before the giant pot was lit, Pastor Bolaji of Harvester’s Church prayed for her, while her friend and content creator, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, presented her with flowers. The gesture left Baci visibly emotional.

“I will not stop supporting you,” Adeoluwa wrote on Instagram alongside photos and videos of the moment. “There’s truly nothing you set your mind to that you don’t achieve. You’re such a go-getter — an incredible friend, an amazing sister, and one of the best things to happen to my world. I’m so proud of you. Today, as you break yet another world record… I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way.”

Actress and entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye, who anchored the festival, described the feat as “greatness happening in our generation.” She told her followers, “Hilda Baci is set to break record and we’re here to witness greatness! You’ve done it before; you will do it again with God on your side!”

Organisers said more than 20,000 people had registered for the free event, which was already buzzing with food stalls, music, and dancing before cooking even began.

Actor Charles Bond, who was also at the venue, said he was proud to watch his friend aim for another global milestone. “I’m really excited for my friend and one thing about Hilda is that once she’s convinced about something, she does it,” he said. “Everybody is excited. Our food is getting more attention.”

Vendors at the festival also shared their pride. Blessing Okechukwu, Creative Director of BAT Events and Chops, described it as more than just food. “It is a moment of pride, dishing out a taste of Nigeria’s unity and vibrancy to the world,” she said.

Security operatives and paramedics were stationed around the venue to manage the large crowd, while content creators roamed with cameras to capture the history-making attempt.

Baci, speaking earlier, promised that the massive meal would be “amazing and hygienic,” assuring attendees of a record-breaking experience.

Her effort comes as Nigeria celebrates World Jollof Day, with the chef once again placing the country’s culinary culture on the global stage.

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