Social commentator and good governance advocate Bello Galadanci, popularly known as Dan Bello, has stirred controversy after criticizing Chef Hilda Baci’s recent Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice.
Dan Bello described the Guinness record feet that drew over 20,000 audience as a distraction from Nigeria’s pressing development challenges.
Writing on his X handle, he mocked the event, saying Nigeria has “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 strides in artificial intelligence, space technology, and infrastructure, Nigerians were busy celebrating a giant pot of rice.
He also accused the government of being unhappy, not because of the cooking itself, but because the food was freely given to ordinary citizens.
“Hunger is the only local content Nigeria has perfected,” he wrote in a satirical tone.
His remarks immediately triggered mixed reactions online.
Chioma Eze, an X user, defended Hilda Baci, saying: “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.”
Another user, Musa Ibrahim, argued that Nigerians were too quick to criticize: “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.”
But others sided with Dan Bello, questioning the priorities of young Nigerians. A commentator, Aisha Suleiman, said: “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.”
Similarly, Kingsley Adeyemi described the hype as overrated: “Nigeria needs real progress like infrastructure, not cooking stunts. Hunger won’t end with a big pot of rice.”
The debate continues online between those who see Baci’s effort as an inspiring moment and those who view it as a symbol of misplaced priorities in a struggling nation.
