Following months of anticipation, Nigeria’s culinary star, Hilda Baci, on Friday, activated her bid to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. Although Guinness World Records has yet to verify the outcome, the attempt underscores a broader national trend: Nigerians pursuing global recognition through extraordinary feats of skill, endurance, and creativity.
From the culinary arts to literature, music, dance, sports, and visual expression, Nigerian citizens have consistently inscribed their names into the annals of the Guinness Book of World Records. Their undertakings frequently elevate local talents into matters of global discourse.
Below are ten notable Guinness-recognised achievements by Nigerians:
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke – Largest Art Canvas (2025)
At the age of 14, and while living with autism, Kanyeyachukwu produced a painting entitled “Impossibility is a Myth”, measuring 12,381.02 square metres. This accomplishment secured him the record for the world’s largest art canvas created by an individual.
Fola David-Tolaram – World’s Largest Drawing (2024)
Dr. Fola David, a physician and professional artist, completed a six-day drawing titled “The Unity of Diversity” on a canvas of 1,004.7 square metres, exhibited at Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Hilda Baci – Longest Cooking Marathon (2023)
Ms. Baci cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos, thereby setting a then-world record. Though later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher (119 hours, 57 minutes), her achievement brought unprecedented international attention to Nigeria’s culinary culture.
Gbenga Ezekiel – Rope Skipping Records (2022–2023)
Mr. Ezekiel of Akure attained two world records: (a) Most skips in one minute on one leg (278), and (b) Most double-under skips in one minute on one leg (144).
Bayo Omoboriowo – Largest Photo Book (2021)
As official photographer to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Omoboriowo curated a 60-square-metre photographic compendium, chronicling Nigeria’s political journey.
Stephen Keshi – Dual AFCON Titles as Player and Coach (2013)
The late Stephen Keshi achieved distinction as the first African to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and as a coach, a milestone recognised by Guinness World Records.
Adetunwase Adenle – Mass Literacy Reading (2011)
In Lagos, educator Adetunwase Adenle convened 4,222 schoolchildren for a simultaneous public reading exercise, setting a record for Most children reading aloud with an adult.
DJ Obi – Longest Disc Jockey Set (2016)
Obi Ajuonuma, professionally known as DJ Obi, performed a 240-hour non-stop DJ set in Lagos, thereby redefining endurance standards within the global music industry.
Kaffy – Longest Dance Party (2006)
Kafayat Shafau, widely known as Kaffy, led a group in a dance marathon lasting 55 hours and 40 minutes, symbolising Nigeria’s enduring passion for rhythm and resilience.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Most Studio Albums by a Solo Artist (1992)
Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti released 46 studio albums between 1969 and 1992, a span of 23 years, thus setting a Guinness record for most studio-recorded albums by a solo artist.#newsafro_
