Hilda Baci Guinness World Record confirmed despite giant pot collapse, turning a tense moment into a blessing during largest jollof rice cooking attempt

Hilda Baci Guinness World Record success came with a dramatic twist as the giant custom-made pot used for cooking the largest jollof rice unexpectedly collapsed during the World Jollof Festival in Lagos.

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In a heartfelt interview shared on X, the Nigerian chef admitted the incident initially scared her.

“When we had the mishap with the pot, my first few seconds, my heart was in my hands. I was very scared, very worried,” Baci recalled.

However, she emphasised that serving the food was her priority, not just the record itself.

“For me, the record was not the most important thing. It was important that people got to taste and enjoy the food we had spent hours making.”

The six-metre-wide pot contained approximately 23,000 litres of jollof rice, weighing nearly 8,780 kilograms (around 19,356 pounds).

As the pot was lifted by a crane for official weighing, one side gave way and the supporting legs buckled. Fortunately, the food inside remained intact.

Baci described the collapse as a “blessing in disguise,” explaining that it made distributing the food easier and smoother than anticipated.

The team immediately contacted the Guinness adjudicator and ensured that all video evidence was clear and transparent.

With confirmation of the footage’s authenticity, the event proceeded smoothly, culminating in Baci’s confirmation as the official record-holder.

Reflecting on her second Guinness World Record—her first being the longest individual cooking marathon in May 2023—Baci expressed gratitude and faith:

“It’s just a testament that God is good and I’m a child of grace. When I tell you grace is here and you doubt me, look at my track record. Trust the Lord.”

Also read: Hilda Baci Sets Guinness Record for Jollof Rice Feast

This remarkable achievement adds to Nigeria’s growing presence on the global culinary stage and highlights Baci’s unwavering dedication and resilience.