Social commentator and good governance advocate, Bello Galadanci, popularly known as Dan Bello, has stirred controversy after criticizing Chef Hilda Baci’s recent attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the biggest pot of jollof rice.
The cooking event, which reportedly drew an audience of over 20,000 people, was described by Dan Bello as a “distraction” from Nigeria’s pressing developmental challenges.
Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Bello mocked the attempt, saying Nigeria had “finally found its destiny, not in science, not in technology, but in a steaming pot of Guinness-certified rice.” He argued that while other nations were making breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, space technology, and infrastructure, Nigerians were busy celebrating “a giant pot of rice.”
He further claimed that government unease about the event was not tied to the record attempt itself, but to the fact that the food was distributed freely to ordinary citizens. “Hunger is the only local content Nigeria has perfected,” he wrote in a satirical tone.
Bello’s remarks immediately sparked mixed reactions online.
Some defended Hilda Baci, stressing that her Guinness World Record attempt had no bearing on Nigeria’s development agenda. Chioma Eze, an X user, wrote: “The Guinness record attempt does not stop Nigeria from developing in science or technology. She’s a chef, doing her thing, just like entertainers or athletes do worldwide.”
Similarly, Musa Ibrahim argued that the criticism was unfair. “Hilda is just one person out of over 200 million doing what she loves. Many who attended were not poor—they were fans, friends, and even celebrities supporting her,” he said.
Others, however, sided with Dan Bello, questioning the priorities of Nigerian youths. Aisha Suleiman commented: “Over 20,000 gathered for rice, some till 5 a.m., but cannot come out to demand good governance or protest killings and kidnappings in the country.”
Another critic, Kingsley Adeyemi, dismissed the hype as misplaced. “Nigeria needs real progress like infrastructure, not cooking stunts. Hunger won’t end with a big pot of rice,” he said.
The debate continues to trend on social media, dividing opinions between those who see Baci’s attempt as an inspiring cultural moment and those who view it as a symbol of misplaced priorities in a nation grappling with serious socio-economic challenges.
