By The maiden edition of the World Jollof Festival hosted by celebrity chef Hilda Baci took place on Saturday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, drawing crowd and wide attention.
Sponsored by Gino, the festival attracted thousands of guests who came to witness the cooking of one of the largest pots of jollof rice ever attempted. Organisers said more than 20,000 people registered, leading to the relocation of the event to the expansive Eko Hotels car park to manage the turnout.
The day’s highlight was the unveiling of a custom-built pot designed to hold several tonnes of rice. Between 200 and 250 bags of rice were used in the cooking, which stretched late into the night before being served in takeaway packs to attendees.
A tense moment came during the weighing of the pot when the crane lifting it appeared unstable, causing the lid to slip and the structure to tilt. The weighing was quickly suspended to prevent an accident, and the food was later packed and distributed. No casualties were recorded.
The Food was portioned into takeaway packs and given out to attendees. Feeding people was emphasised as just as important as the potential record attempt.
Hilda Baci serving the rice
Beyond the cooking, the festival delivered entertainment and star power. Afrobeats artiste Spyro performed live, while Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun, fashion designer Veekee James, and influencer Folashade Banks, popularly called Mama Adeola, were among notable personalities present.
Speaking after the cooking, Hilda Baci said the festival was about celebrating African food culture and creating a platform that unites people. She confirmed that evidence of the record attempt would be forwarded to Guinness World Records for verification.
The World Jollof Festival, the first of its kind in Lagos, blended food, music and culture into one spectacle, leaving an impression of community and celebration.
