Dan Bello Ridicules Hilda Baci’s Jollof Cook-Off, Labels It a Distraction from Nigeria’s Real Issues
Journalist and activist, Bello Galadanci, popularly known as Dan Bello, has sparked a heated debate after mocking celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s recent Guinness World Record attempt for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice.
Taking to his X handle, Dan Bello described the event, which attracted over 20,000 people, as a misplaced priority in a nation struggling with critical developmental issues.
He argued that while other countries are making groundbreaking strides in science and technology, Nigeria is celebrating what he called “the heroic act of stirring jollof rice.”
Criticising Hilda Baci’s Jollof Cook-Off
In his words:
“Nigeria has finally found its true destiny: not in satellites, not in science, not in industry, but in a big steaming pot of Guinness-certified rice. While other nations are busy cracking nuclear fusion and inventing AI that can write symphonies, our heroes are sweating over bags most likely imported from Thailand and stove made in China, to break the record for ‘Biggest Cooking of Jellof Rice.’”
Dan Bello’s critique of government and society
Dan Bello went further to suggest that the government’s irritation was not with the attempt itself but with the fact that the food was distributed freely to hungry citizens. According to him, hunger remains one of the government’s biggest tools for political control.
“How dare you fill the stomachs of the poor when hunger is the government’s number one instrument of policy! If people stop being hungry, who will clap for bags of rice during elections?” he wrote.
He sarcastically praised Nigeria for “perfecting hunger” while highlighting global advancements in countries like South Korea, Germany, and China.
Nigeria has finally found its true destiny: not in satellites, not in science, not in industry—but in a big steaming pot of Guinness-certified rice. While other nations are busy cracking nuclear fusion and inventing AI that can write symphonies, our heroes are sweating over bags…
— Dan Bello (@BelloGaladanchi) September 13, 2025
Public reactions
@AyoBankole said: “For the first time, I disagree with Dan Bello. Same can be said of you that while youths of other countries are leading ground breaking inventions in industry and science, our youths are busy making videos on TikTok and writing long threads to criticize govt. But no, we don’t say that, we cheer you on and celebrate your creativity. Hilda Baci is a chef. It’s perfectly fine for her to aspire to break whatever records and achieve whatever feat she deems fit in her career. It doesn’t stop others in science from pursuing their aspirations too. As Hilda is doing hers, hundreds of young people are building in technology and industry and yes even science.”
Airdropglobal5 reacted: “Its just ridiculous. While others are looking for ways to take humans to Mars or build world class AI, Nigerians are lining up for a free plate of meatless soggy jollof rice. It is well.”
marvelous_oko stated: “20,000 Gen Z including some celebrities gathered to witness a big pot of jellof rice very funny. But could not come out to speak up for a nation that’s draining by the day daily. But could not come out to show support on the killings and kidnappings going on in the country. Funny thing, they were security operatives everywhere especially police to ensure a free and fair rice cooking. But during election same security operatives is do or die.”
@ademi_nokan added, “We are too emotional and take things too seriously. Hilda Bassey is a chef, and makes money from cooking, she is one person out of over 200m Nigeria doing her thing. Now she’s got love and support from family , friends and fans, and NO, the people there are not poor, some travel through land , sea and ✈️ to support her , many celebrities are there too. Truth is some of you lack love and support from home and see negatives in most kindness. Everything on this X people must do chochocho chiwawa opinions.”