The festival, sponsored by Gino, was initially scheduled to take place at Muri Okunola Park. However, a statement released by GBfoods Nigeria's Marketing Director, Oreoluwa Atinmo, confirmed the decision to move the event. According to Atinmo, the change was necessary due to the overwhelming number of people who have registered to attend. "To accommodate this event safely and comfortably, we have moved the event to Eko Hotel Car Park B," Atinmo stated, adding that the new venue "truly reflects the scale and ambition of what we are about to achieve."
Hilda Baci, who gained international fame for her record-breaking cook-a-thon in 2023, welcomed the change, acknowledging the massive interest the festival has attracted. "The outpouring of love and support... has been mind-blowing," she said, emphasizing that the move to Eko Hotel Car Park B will allow everyone to be part of the historic celebration safely.
This new challenge will see Baci attempting to cook with a specially designed pot that measures six meters wide and over a meter high, with a capacity of 22,619 liters. Baci plans to use 250 bags of rice and a variety of spices to complete the feat, which she says is the culmination of two years of planning.
Beyond the world record attempt, the festival promises to be a vibrant showcase of West African culture. Organizers have planned food exhibitions, live entertainment, and interactive experiences to highlight jollof rice's cultural significance as a symbol of identity and community.
While Baci was previously recognized by Guinness World Records for the longest individual cooking marathon, her record was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher. This new attempt focuses on a different category—the largest pot of food—presenting a fresh opportunity for the renowned Nigerian chef to make her mark on the global stage once again.