Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record jollof attempt in Lagos was interrupted when her giant pot collapsed during weighing, though her team insists the record bid continues.
Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci’s effort to cook the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice ended abruptly Friday night when the custom-made vessel collapsed during weighing at Eko Hotel and Suites. The free “Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci” had drawn thousands of fans and celebrities, including actress Funke Akindele and musician Falz. Baci earlier announced that more than 20,000 people registered for the event.
The pot, measuring six metres wide and tall with a 22,619-litre capacity, was being lifted by crane for official verification when it gave way, sending spectators into panic and prompting an immediate shutdown for safety. Baci initially planned to cook with 5,000 kilogrammes of basmati rice but reduced it to 4,000 due to weighing challenges.
Videos of the incident went viral, but her team remained upbeat. “We are reviewing the footage and the process. Safety was our priority, and the record attempt will proceed for certification,” a representative said.