Nigerians love their Jollof rice, but a new record-breaking event has stirred up more talk than taste.
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci, famous for her Guinness World Record cook-a-thon two years ago, has now cooked what is being called the largest pot of Jollof rice ever prepared.
The big event took place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, drawing stars like Funke Akindele, Enioluwa, Tomike, Pastor Idowu, and even Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State.
Instead of only cheers, Hilda’s effort received some sharp words online. Many fans praised her, but others laughed it off with the now-trending phrase: “Jollof no sweet.” Some even questioned if cooking should be considered an achievement at all.
This didn’t sit well with Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola. She went straight to Instagram to share her feelings. She wrote that she had been upset since reading the comments, saying it was “heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness.”
Odetola explained that people often forget the hard work behind such feats, the mental, emotional, and financial strength it takes to dream big and make it real. She asked Nigerians to think deeply: “Why am I triggered by the success of a woman trying to make a mark?”
Her words hit home for many. Supporters flooded her page, thanking her for defending Hilda and speaking against the culture of pulling others down.
At the end of her post, the actress prayed for healing for those carrying bitterness, saying success should inspire, not divide.
One thing is clear: whether or not the Jollof sweet, Hilda Baci’s pot has stirred Nigeria into yet another heated conversation.
