After months of anticipation, Nigeria’s culinary star Hilda Baci set her sights on history Friday with an ambitious attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
Though Guinness World Records has yet to confirm the outcome, the spectacle reflects a growing trend in Nigeria—turning local passion and creativity into global recognition through extraordinary feats.
From food to sports, arts, and entertainment, Nigerians have consistently stamped their names in Guinness World Records, transforming personal milestones into national pride.
While Baci’s latest attempt shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s vibrant culinary culture, other trailblazers have broken barriers in art, music, dance, literature, and sports.
Here are 10 remarkable Guinness World Records held by Nigerians:
- Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke – Largest art canvas (2025)
At just 14, and living with autism, Kanyeyachukwu painted a canvas titled Impossibility is a Myth, covering 12,381.02 sqm, the largest ever by an individual. - Fola David-Tolaram – Largest drawing (2024)
Medical doctor and artist, Fola David, created a massive piece titled The Unity of Diversity over 1,004.7 sqm, at Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena. - Hilda Baci – Longest cooking marathon (2023)
Baci cooked for 93 hours 11 minutes, captivating international audiences. She was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher, who set a new mark at 119 hours 57 minutes. - Gbenga Ezekiel – Skipping feats (2022-2023)
From Akure, Gbenga set multiple rope-skipping records, including 278 skips on one leg in a minute and 144 double-unders in a minute. - Bayo Omoboriowo – Largest photo book (2021)
Official photographer to ex-President Buhari, Omoboriowo produced a 60 sqm photo book chronicling Nigeria’s political history. - Stephen Keshi – AFCON dual triumph (2013)
The late Super Eagles coach became the first African to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and coach. - Adetunwase Adenle – Largest reading event (2011)
Teacher Adenle led 4,222 schoolchildren in a mass reading in Lagos, promoting literacy. - DJ Obi – Longest DJ set (2016)
Obi Ajuonuma, aka DJ Obi, performed a 240-hour nonstop DJ set in Lagos. - Kaffy – Longest dance party (2006)
Kafayat Shafau, known as Kaffy, led a 55-hour 40-minute dance marathon, showcasing stamina and rhythm. - Fela Kuti – Most studio albums (1992)
The Afrobeat legend recorded 46 solo studio albums between 1969 and 1992, cementing his legacy in music history.
