Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci ignited Lagos with her ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice ever cooked. The event, dubbed the Gino World Jollof Festival, transformed Eko Hotel and Suites into a vibrant hub of Nigerian culture, drawing over 20,000 registered attendees, celebrities, and food enthusiasts.

Baci, already a global sensation for her 2023 record-breaking 93-hour and 11-minute cooking marathon, promised a “robust and hygienic” dish that would showcase the authenticity of Nigerian jollof rice on an unprecedented scale.

The vision conceived nearly two years ago, came to life with a custom-made giant pot measuring six meters in width and height, boasting a total volume of 22,619 liters—filled to 80% capacity for the cook-off. The recipe called for an astonishing 250 bags of rice (approximately 264 kg), along with generous portions of goat meat, Gino seasoning, garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, rosemary, curry, and other spices to ensure that signature smoky, spicy flavor.

Baci personally oversaw the preparation, starting with a thorough cleaning of the massive pot—climbing inside to scrub it herself for hygiene assurance. Before lighting the flames, she led an emotional prayer session with Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre, blessing the endeavor.

The festival, originally planned for Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, was relocated to Eko Hotel due to overwhelming demand and logistical needs. Sponsored by the seasoning brand Gino, it featured live music, cultural displays, and free entry, turning the event into a full-blown celebration of West African culinary heritage. Guinness World Records sent official well-wishes via social media, with adjudicator Mark McKinley present to verify the attempt.

The cooking kicked off amid high excitement, with Baci and her team pouring in huge quantities of ingredients under the watchful eyes of the massive crowd. Social media buzzed with live updates: fans shared photos of the steaming pot, the sea of attendees, and Baci’s hands-on involvement. Celebrities like fashion designer Veekee James, content creator Tomike Adeoye, and influencer Enioluwa joined the festivities, amplifying the electric atmosphere.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, pledged his full support to Takoradi Technical University (TTU) during a courtesy call by the university’s management. This commitment aligns with his goal to enhance infrastructure development and academic excellence at TTU.

During a courtesy call to the Minister by the management of TTU to formally welcome him, the Western Regional Minister acknowledged the University’s immense contribution to human resource development in the Western Region and pledged to strengthen the existing collaboration between the University and the Regional Coordinating Council, RCC.

“I know the RCC has been collaborating with you on many fronts, so it will continue—perhaps even be deepened under my watch. I recognize the massive role you play in our human resource development and let me also commend you and your management for the progress the University has made from 2016 up to now,” he stated.

Minister Joseph Nelson further emphasized the importance of TTU in the Western Region’s development and assured the University of his commitment to addressing its challenges, particularly those concerning its Akatakyei campus, where illegal mining activities have been a concern.

“I have taken notice of your campus at Akatakyei and the challenges that you face. A letter came through about some galamsey activities around the area, and that has been part of some engagements we’ve had to see how the matter can be dealt with. The RCC can only support the good cause you are engaged in,” he assured.

While reiterating his open-door policy, he reassured TTU of his unwavering support for the progress of the university.

“The RCC can only support the good cause you are engaged in. Count on us and count on me as the Regional Minister to support you. If there are any issues that you think I or the RCC can assist with, don’t hesitate to come to me—my doors are always open. When TTU makes progress, the Western Region progresses. Be rest assured that you have my full support, whether it’s about infrastructure or anything else that will bring progress and be worthwhile,” he affirmed.

The Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, while stating the purpose of their visit, emphasized TTU’s mandate to drive capacity building, research, and regional development.

“Our mandate is also to develop the region in terms of capacity building, research, and other areas. Since you have assumed office, I think we need to work together to develop the region in many areas, including enhancing tourist sites and exploring other business opportunities,” he emphasized.

He expressed the institution’s commitment to collaborating with the Minister’s office to enhance key sectors such as tourism, business, and infrastructure development.

“We have research directorates and other offices that I believe we can work with to help develop the region,” he added.

The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun on March 1st, 2025, as announced by various Muslim leaders and organizations globally. Celebrations and greetings for Ramadan Mubarak are widespread, with individuals and communities expressing hopes for peace, reflection, and community spirit. Observances range from festive decorations in Gaza to official statements from political and religious figures worldwide.

This year, an extraordinary celestial alignment has led to a rare synchronization of moon sightings across countries like Saudi Arabia, India, the UAE, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many others, uniting Muslims worldwide in the commencement of this holy month. The exact start date hinges on local moon-sighting traditions, but the shared timing fosters a sense of global connection among the Muslim community.

As Ramadan begins, messages of peace and unity have emerged from various leaders and individuals. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement around this time, expressed hopes that the holy month would “bring peace and guide us towards a more just and compassionate world,” a sentiment echoed from previous Ramadan messages and likely reflective of 2025’s tone given ongoing global challenges.

On X, users have shared similar calls for harmony, with posts emphasizing reflection, mercy, and an end to conflict, such as one noting, “Let us all—brothers, sisters, and friends—embrace peace and restrain from war and conflict. May this holy month bring harmony to the world.” These messages align with Ramadan’s spiritual focus on fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline, encouraging Muslims to deepen their faith and extend goodwill.

The month, expected to end around March 29 or 30 with Eid al-Fitr, is a period of daytime fasting from dawn to dusk, increased devotion, and acts of charity—core practices rooted in the commemoration of the Quran’s revelation to the Prophet Muhammad.

Amidst this, the synchronized start has been highlighted as a symbol of unity, with leaders and communities worldwide urging for peace, especially in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan, as noted in prior UN statements. While these aspirations are aspirational, they reflect Ramadan’s broader ethos of fostering compassion and solidarity across borders.