Social commentator and good governance advocate Bello Galadanci, popularly known as Dan Bello, has ignited widespread debate after criticizing Chef Hilda Baci’s recent attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the biggest pot of jollof rice. The high-profile event, which attracted more than twenty thousand spectators, was celebrated by many Nigerians as a moment of unity and cultural pride. However, for Dan Bello, it symbolized something entirely different.
Gistrad reports Hilda earlier announced the event, In a post shared on his X handle, Bello dismissed the record-breaking attempt as a distraction from the country’s pressing developmental challenges. He mocked the spectacle by writing that Nigeria had “finally found its destiny, not in science, not in technology, but in a steaming pot of Guinness-certified rice.” The sharp tone of his remarks immediately set social media abuzz, with many Nigerians either defending Baci’s effort or aligning with Bello’s criticism.
Bello went further to compare Nigeria’s priorities with those of other nations. According to him, while advanced countries were investing heavily in artificial intelligence, space exploration, and cutting-edge infrastructure, Nigerians seemed content to celebrate something as fleeting as a giant pot of food. To him, this contrast illustrated a deeper problem of misplaced national priorities. He also took a jab at the government, suggesting that its displeasure was not about the cooking itself but about the fact that the food was shared freely with ordinary citizens. In his words, “Hunger is the only local content Nigeria has perfected.” His biting satire sparked strong reactions, revealing once again how divided public opinion can be when entertainment and national progress intersect.
Not everyone agreed with Dan Bello’s harsh critique. A significant number of Nigerians defended Chef Hilda Baci, arguing that her record-breaking attempt was never meant to replace national development but to showcase individual creativity and inspire others. Chioma Eze, an X user, argued that Nigeria’s challenges in science and technology could not be pinned on a chef pursuing her passion. “The Guinness record attempt does not stop Nigeria from developing in science or technology,” she wrote. “She’s a chef, doing her thing, just like entertainers or athletes do worldwide.”
Musa Ibrahim, another social media user, echoed this perspective. He contended that Nigerians were too quick to criticize the efforts of individuals who gain recognition. According to him, Hilda Baci is just one person among over two hundred million citizens pursuing her dreams, and her effort should not be weighed against the nation’s broader shortcomings. He pointed out that many of those who attended the event were not simply hungry individuals but fans, friends, and even celebrities who wanted to support her.
However, others rallied behind Dan Bello’s skepticism. They questioned why such a massive crowd could gather overnight for a pot of rice but often failed to unite in demanding accountability from political leaders. Aisha Suleiman, another online commentator, captured this sentiment succinctly when she remarked that over twenty thousand people stayed until the early hours of the morning for food, yet the same enthusiasm was absent when it came to protesting killings, kidnappings, and poor governance across the country. For her, the event was less about food and more about misplaced civic energy.
Kingsley Adeyemi also aligned with Bello’s view, describing the hype around the event as overrated. In his opinion, Nigeria’s pressing needs such as infrastructure development, job creation, and poverty reduction require genuine solutions rather than symbolic gestures. “Nigeria needs real progress like infrastructure, not cooking stunts,” he wrote, suggesting that a giant pot of rice, however impressive, does little to solve systemic hunger or economic challenges.
The debate has since continued online, with opinions split between those who see Hilda Baci’s effort as an inspiring achievement and those who interpret it as evidence of misplaced priorities in a struggling nation. For some, the event was a lighthearted cultural celebration that brought joy to many and gave Nigeria international recognition in a unique way. For others, it was yet another reminder of how entertainment often overshadows the country’s urgent developmental needs.
What is clear is that the record attempt has become more than a culinary feat. It has transformed into a symbol through which Nigerians are reflecting on deeper issues of governance, priorities, and the role of individual achievements in a country facing daunting challenges. Whether one sides with Dan Bello’s satirical critique or with those who defended Hilda Baci’s ambition, the conversation underscores the tensions between celebration and substance in Nigeria’s national discourse.
1 Comment
Pingback: Viral Man Who Collected Food with Bare Hands at Hilda Baci’s Jollof Cook-Off Receives Help | GISTRAD