Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has announced that the massive pot used in her record-breaking feat for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice will not be auctioned or sold.
During a press conference held on Saturday at the Gino Nigeria office in Lagos, Baci shared plans to restore the pot to its original state and display it publicly, potentially in a museum or another accessible location.
She emphasized that the pot has evolved beyond a functional kitchen item, now symbolizing history, faith, and innovation. Baci also highlighted the considerable effort involved in creating the pot, hoping that it will inspire future generations.
In describing its cultural significance, Baci stated that the pot represents Nigerian cuisine and heritage. She expressed her desire for people to see it, learn from it, and celebrate it for years to come.
“People have asked about that pot. Some want to buy it, suggesting we auction it,” Baci remarked. “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, you know, it’s a symbol of many things.”
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She continued, “I think we agree that this is something that we want 10 years from now, 20 years from now, for people to still be able to see and point to. I think that was the biggest pot of jollof rice in Nigeria. In the world, not just in Nigeria, because it’s been established for the first time.”
When asked about the future of the pot, Baci clarified, “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. And you’re probably going to ask me, are you going to keep it in that shape? No. We’re going to put it back in the form that it originally was. And, I don’t know, you’ll find it may be on your way to work or in a museum somewhere.”
Hilda Baci set a new Guinness World Record on September 12, 2025, for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, which weighed a staggering 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lb 9 oz). The event, which took place in Victoria Island, Lagos, was a collaboration with Gino.
“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,” the global body confirmed on X (formerly Twitter).
The historic occasion attracted a large crowd, including notable figures such as actress Funke Akindele, Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun, and dancer Kaffy. This achievement continues to shine a global spotlight on Nigerian cuisine, following Baci’s 2023 cook-a-thon, during which she cooked for over 100 hours.
