Nigeria’s culinary scene is set for another major milestone as celebrity chef Hilda Baci prepares to host a Mega Jollof Rice feast at the prestigious Eko Hotel in Lagos. The highly anticipated event, scheduled for the weekend, is expected to draw over 20,000 food lovers, fans, and special guests.
Hilda, who shot to international fame after her Guinness World Record-breaking cook-a-thon in 2023, is once again in the spotlight. This time, she aims to celebrate Nigerian food culture with a single dish that unites people across West Africa—jollof rice.
Why Jollof Rice?
Jollof rice is more than just food in Nigeria—it is a cultural symbol and a source of national pride. For decades, the dish has sparked friendly rivalries between countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. By choosing to prepare it on a massive scale, Hilda is not only showcasing her cooking skills but also promoting unity through food.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hilda Baci said the project is about more than cooking:
“Jollof rice connects us as Africans. With this event, I want to celebrate the joy of sharing food and bring people together.”
What to Expect at the Event
The Mega Jollof Rice feast promises to be more than a cooking demonstration. According to organizers, the event will feature:
- Live cooking sessions with Hilda and her team.
- Food tasting stands for guests.
- Music and cultural performances by top Nigerian artists.
- Celebrity appearances from Nollywood stars and influencers.
- A charity outreach program, where part of the proceeds will support local feeding initiatives in Lagos.
Security and logistics are already in place, with Eko Hotel confirming it can comfortably host the expected number of participants.
Economic and Tourism Boost
Events like this also highlight Lagos as a cultural and tourism hub. Analysts note that large gatherings of this nature contribute to the city’s economy through hospitality, transport, and entertainment. Hotels around Victoria Island are already reporting increased bookings as fans from outside Lagos plan to attend.
A tourism analyst, Tunde Adebayo, described the event as “a major boost for Nigeria’s soft power.” He explained:
“Food is a global connector. When chefs like Hilda Baci create headlines with such events, Nigeria gains international attention not only for its cuisine but also for its creativity.”
Building on Past Success
Hilda’s upcoming jollof rice challenge builds on the momentum of her record-breaking cook-a-thon, where she cooked for 100 hours non-stop. That event attracted global media coverage and made her a household name across Africa and beyond.
This time, however, the focus is not on records but on community celebration. The Mega Jollof Rice event is being marketed as an inclusive festival where everyone—young or old—can be part of the experience.
Social Media Buzz
On social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #MegaJollof and #HildaBaciAtEkoHotel are already trending. Thousands of fans have expressed excitement, with many promising to attend and others planning watch parties.
Influencers and content creators are also gearing up to cover the event live, meaning millions more Nigerians will join virtually.
A Celebration of Food and Culture
At its core, the Mega Jollof Rice feast is a celebration of Nigerian culture, resilience, and hospitality. In a period when many Nigerians face economic challenges, Hilda’s initiative provides a moment of joy, unity, and national pride.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on Eko Hotel this weekend. If successful, the Mega Jollof Rice feast may well set the stage for more food-based festivals in Nigeria and place the country firmly on the global culinary map.
