Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has addressed the swirling rumours surrounding her record-breaking jollof pot, making it clear that it is not for sale or auction. She explained that the pot represents more than a culinary feat — it embodies history, faith, and innovation.

During a recent press conference at Gino Nigeria’s office in Lagos, Hilda recounted how many fans and collectors approached her with offers to buy or auction the massive pot used in her Guinness World Record attempt. But she insisted the pot holds symbolic value and must remain intact for public appreciation. “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,” she said.

Hilda emphasized that she and her team are committed to preserving the pot for future generations to see and learn from. She stated, “We’re definitely not going to auction it … We’re going to make sure that as many people as possible get to see it in its glory.” In fact, she suggested that the pot may someday be restored to a display format in a public space or museum.

This protective stance comes after her recent Guinness World Record success when she prepared 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice in a six-metre-wide pot at the World Jollof Festival in Lagos. The feat was not without drama: as a crane lifted the pot for weighing, one side gave way and the support legs collapsed. Hilda later described that moment as terrifying, though food distribution had already begun, which she called the more important objective.

In her reflections, she revealed how the collapse ultimately helped with distribution so turning what seemed like a setback into a surprise advantage. Despite the mishap, the pot’s contents remained intact and the documentation process with Guinness World Records continued transparently. She underscored that accountability and clarity were priorities, noting how she coordinated with adjudicators to ensure the validity of the record.

For Hilda Baci, the jollof pot is now part of her legacy. She wants it to remain untouched by commercial exploitation. It’s no longer just cookware to her, it’s a landmark in her career and in the larger story of culinary achievements in Nigeria.