Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has announced that the giant pot used in her record-setting feat for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice will not be auctioned or sold.
Baci made this known on Saturday during a press conference held at the Gino Nigeria office in Victoria Island, Lagos, where she shared details about the future of the iconic pot that has now become part of Nigerian culinary history.
According to the renowned chef, the pot is far more than an oversized cooking utensil it has become a symbol of history, faith, and innovation. She revealed plans to restore the pot to its original form and put it on public display so that future generations can see and learn from it.
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“Oh, you may not have heard of it. So many people have asked about that pot. Some people want to buy it, some have even suggested auctioning it,” she said. “But that pot is a symbol of a lot of beautiful things. It’s a symbol of history. It’s a symbol of faith. It’s a symbol of innovation. Because, trust me, the process of putting that pot together was no small feat.”
Baci explained that the decision to keep the pot was not just personal but cultural, emphasising its place as a representation of Nigerian heritage. She expressed her wish for the pot to remain a lasting reminder of what is possible when Nigerians unite around food, creativity, and community spirit.
“I think we all agree that this is something we want 10 years from now, 20 years from now, for people to still be able to see and point to,” she added. “We’re definitely not going to auction it. We’re not going to sell it. We’re going to make sure that as many people as possible get to see it in its glory maybe in a museum or somewhere you pass on your way to work.”
On September 12, 2025, Hilda Baci, in partnership with Gino, set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, preparing an astounding 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lb 9 oz) of the popular West African dish at Victoria Island, Lagos.
The announcement was confirmed by Guinness World Records on X (formerly Twitter):
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”
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The event attracted a large turnout of spectators and notable figures, including award-winning actress Funke Akindele, Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun, and dancer Kaffy, all of whom joined the celebrations.
This achievement adds to Hilda Baci’s growing list of global accomplishments. In May 2023, she set the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, cooking for over 100 hours and putting Nigerian cuisine on the international map.
By preserving the iconic jollof rice pot, Baci hopes to inspire future chefs, innovators, and dreamers to push boundaries and showcase Nigeria’s rich culinary culture to the world.
