A dramatic twist unfolded at the Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci on Friday night as a massive pot designed for a Guinness World Record attempt collapsed during weighing, halting the proceedings and sparking concern among attendees.

The event, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, was aimed at setting a new record for the world’s largest pot of Nigerian Jollof rice. It attracted thousands of fans, food lovers, and celebrities, including actress Funke Akindele and rapper Falz. Hilda Baci, who became a household name in 2023 after breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon, led the effort.

Over 20,000 people had registered for the free event, with large crowds forming outside the venue throughout the day. Security personnel worked to manage the surging turnout as excitement built for the record attempt.

At the heart of the event was a custom-built pot measuring six metres in both height and width, originally planned to hold over 22,000 litres of rice. However, Baci later revealed that the target was scaled down to 4,000 kilogrammes—approximately 200 bags of rice—for logistical reasons.

To officially verify the weight, a crane was brought in to lift the pot onto a scale. But as the process began, the pot gave way under its own immense weight, collapsing and causing brief panic among spectators. No injuries were reported, but the incident forced organizers to suspend operations immediately.

Videos of the collapse quickly spread across social media, drawing both concern and support from fans online.

A spokesperson for Baci’s team confirmed that safety was the top priority and that they are working with officials to determine the next steps.

Though the fate of the Guinness World Record attempt is uncertain, the event once again demonstrated Baci’s star power and her ability to rally mass support around Nigerian cuisine.

Hilda Baci became a national sensation last year after cooking non-stop for over 93 hours, setting a Guinness World Record that earned her international acclaim.

• Islamic police/ Fb

The Hisbah Command of the Bauchi State Shariah Commission has issued strict guidelines regulating social gatherings in the state, further ordering adherence to the guidelines.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Commissioner Hisbah, Barrister Aminu Balarabe Isah, dated July 16, 2025, and titled “Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Marriage Ceremonies and other Festivals in Bauchi State”, the command said that there have been complaints from the general public on the increase of social vices and the breach of public peace during marriage ceremonies and birthdays.

Hisbah prohibits DJ, women from attending male social gatherings in Bauchi By : Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi Date: 27 Aug 2025Share :Hisbah[FILES] HisbahThe Hisbah Command of the Bauchi State Sharia’h Commission has issued strict guidelines regulating social gatherings in the state, further ordering adherence to the guidelines.In a statement issued by the Permanent Commissioner Hisbah, Barrister Aminu Balarabe Isah, dated July 16, 2025, and titled “Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Marriage Ceremonies and other Festivals in Bauchi State”, the command said that there have been complaints from the general public on the increase of social vices and the breach of public peace during marriage ceremonies and birthdays.

The statement said that Hisbah Command “is left with no option but to set the following guidelines: Mixing up the opposite sex is highly prohibited.

Dancing with the opposite sex amidst infants and children is highly prohibited.“Buying and selling of toxicants of any kind and their consumption are highly prohibited.

A person in possession of weapon(s) (of any nature) should not be granted entrance.“Seating arrangement has to be in accordance with gender considerations.

Any act capable of inciting the general public is prohibited.

“All activities must be suspended during the stipulated prayer times.

Traditional dressing code should be adhered to. Using blasphemy or abusive language against an individual or constituted authority is prohibited.

“All activities organised by females should only be patronised by females and vice versa.

“The Fulani traditional activity known as Sharo or Shadi and Garaya is prohibited. Cultural traditional activities known as Kauyawa day, DJ, Gala, Aloba, etc, are prohibited.”

The command also prohibited gambling of any nature, saying prostitution in all its ramifications and other immoral acts are equally prohibited in all centres, clubs, hotels, houses and recreational centres.

•Tiwa Savage

Nigerian music superstar, Tiwa Savage, is set to launch her new album, ‘This One Is Personal’, on August 29.

Savage disclosed on her X account that the 13-track album explores the themes of pain, growth, and resilience, with a deeply intimate Afrobeats sound.

This One Is Personal’ marks her first full-length project since 2020’s Celia, ending a five-year break from major releases.

Recorded across Nashville, London, and Lagos, the project features minimal collaborations, including UK rapper Skepta and rising star Taves.

“This album is my story, so I kept the features limited.“I wanted you all to feel me in every song. The few features I chose were very intentional, with people who understood the vision and could add to the message without taking away from its intimacy. It’s less about numbers and more about connection,” Savage shared in a fan Q&A on X.

Savage, who has stayed away from releasing a full studio album since 2020, said the project reflects her personal journey over the past five years, balancing career transitions, motherhood, and self-discovery.