On 12 September, 2025, In Lagos, popular Nigerian Chef and Former Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci completed making the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice.

Hilda Baci, a 28 year old Nigerian Chef and former Guinness World Record holder, who had embarked on a longest cooking marathon, 2023, proceeded to set a new Guinness World Record which took place at Eko hotel and suites, Lagos.

This new record is the very first of its kind, according to Chef Hilda, it was a dream she had dreamt nearly two years ago.

“Now, with you, that dream is coming alive,” she wrote. “Because what is jollof without you to share it with?”. A quote she made before she kicked off with the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.

According to Chef Hilda Baci, whose former record created national pride, attempted this groundbreaking feat because, “We are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for,” she said.

“It would make sense if we had the biggest pot of Jollof rice, it would be nice for the country.”

The giant pot which took nearly two months to customize by 300 people at Gbagada, was six metres wide and six metres tall and was able to cook the Jollof rice that fed tens of thousands. According to her the contents included; 4,000 kg of rice -200 bags of rice, 1200kg of tomato paste, 500 cartons of tomato paste, Lots of seasoning cubes, Onions 600kg, Water 6000 kg, Goat meat 168kg, Oil 700kg.

According to  a video, by an X user known as ChuksEricE, showed the pot after being used to cook for several hours, breaking while it was being lifted to be weighed. Some Netizens have provided reasonable reasons like it would be that it was wrongly customized while some complained it’s the engineer weighing and some states that it was the heating process which took several hours.

The event, sponsored by Gino, was successful with the assistance of Hilda Baci’s culinary team and attracted public sensation with the presence of popular celebrity like Enioluwa- who had also shown great support during her previous cookathon, Funke Akindele, Peller, Tomike Adeoye, Veekee Jamles, Bambam and other  prominent celebrity showed support.

According to Chef Hilda, this record was an attempt to “put Nigerian cuisine on the map” and “to inspire young African women to chase their dreams.” This ground-breaking event is yet to be recorded by the Guinness World Record

The post “We are the giant of Africa, Jollof is food that Africans are known for” – Hilda Baci appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

Ahead of Thursday, June 5th World Environment Day, Mr Michael Odenigbo, spoke EXCLUSIVELY to ESUT Monitor on why he is attempting to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) on the most number of trees planted by an individual within 24 hours.

The record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours is 23,060, achieved by Antoine Moses of Canada in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021. This record was achieved in 14 hours and 51 minutes of straight planting.

However, Mr Odenigbo is aiming to suppass the record by planting 27, 000 moringa trees in 24 hours. The tree planting, expected to cover four hectares of land will take place at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on June 5.

Excerpt:

My name is Michael Odenigbo, a Nigerian climate advocate from Enugu State.

Why are you attempting the Guinness World Record on tree Planting?

Right from childhood, I always have passion for planting of trees and nature in general. I’ve been into climate advocacy for some time now. However, currently, I want to take my climate advocacy to an international level.

So I want climate change to be a topic among young people, because it’s not every young person in Nigeria that has interest in going for conferences, or relating with climate change.
Butt we can make climate change a training topic among young people.

I decided to go for this record breaking attempt, where I intend to plant 27,000 trees to set a new world record on most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours which will be taking place from 5th to 6th of June. 5th is world environment day. It is clearly out of passion, for nature and environmental conservation.

How would you sustain your energy doing the 24 hours period of the planting?

I’m human being but again some of us are very strong and fit and we have been practicing for the challenges ahead. Therefore, apart from being fit, I am preparing personally for the physical challenges that will be in place that day. It will not be much of a problem.

What kind of physical challenge do you envisage?

Tree planting is a physical exercise, it demands a lot of strength, constant training and practicing makes it easier.

How will you ensure that the trees you plant are being sustained?

That is a very important question, because sustainability is very essential, without it, the trees, everything about this record will be a waste.
But there is a sustainability plan which I am working with the school, and in the plan I will be partnering with ESUT to be able to take care of the seedlings from the tender until they grow up and become very developed. There is a sustainability plan for that.

What message do you hope to convey through this record?

The major message I want to convey, using this particular record attempts, is about climate change. Young people should understand that climate change is a big problem that affects everybody.

Some people think that climate change only exist on papers and all that, but it affects our daily lives, both in agriculture, the price of goods in the market, and so many other instances.

The climate change is not just a climate problem, it’s not just an environmental problem it is a health problem. It is also an economic problem. Health problem in the sense that the environment you live in, there are so much carbons that are emitted and we need trees to be able control them

In the aspect of economy, it affects adequate agriculture, for instance,, farmers are complain there is no adequate rainfall, it’s one of the problems caused by climate change, including heats and other problems that come.

So the the awareness that I’m trying to create is, I want young people through this Guinness World Record, because Nigerians love Guinness World Record very well, so through that, climate change will become a topic among among them and by so doing we can enhance climate illiteracy in Nigeria and the world at large.

What system do you have in place for your teams?

In terms of financial support system, first of all, I have a support system via the state government because they facilitated the approval of 4 hecters of land by Enugu State University of Science and Technology, which the document has been issued to me as well.

In terms of thenurseries that we are doing here, I will also say that I have not really gotten a systemized support from any institution. It is just based on my own personal fund and friends, and wellwishers that have been supporting in their little ways, which I appreciate so much.

And I’m also looking forward to getting support from various institutions, not just about encouraging us, but also bringing out financial support.

Even if you don’t have financial support, there are some logistics that we will be needing that day and you can come to us and we will let you know the logistics that we need.

Another support is that I have some volunteers who have been, helping me in terms of the process of this nursery. We have been doing this thing for like a month now. So it has not been easy, and I really appreciate them.

But on that day, which is this Thursday, we are appealing for more supporters, more volunteers on ground, because it’s not something that we are going to do alone. Although it is an individual attempt, I will be needing teams that will be supplying the seedlings and this continuous supply is going to be consistent for 24 Hours, and it’s not something that few persons can do, we need as much as people possible, especially students here in ESUT.

Students should try and encourage us by volunteering. This particular record attempt is unique, and not just like others

It’s not about clouds. It’s about environmental protection and climate change is one of the SDG’s that is prioritized by so many governments across the globe. This, students should show concern and volunteer for this.

And there are so many things that student can benefit from volunteering for projects such as this, in a way that is a community development service aside that, it is also an environmental project.

It means that if you partake in it, and we succeed, is going to boost your CV in a lot of ways, in the sense that you will be acknowledged as one of the people that participated in a global project such as this and anywhere you go, you can always identify yourself with these projects, and there are so many doors that it can open for you.

Aside from that, these are project that everybody supposed to show interest in.

How do you document and verify the tree planting?

I’m not the one that will verify it but I’m the one that would document it.

The verification is left for Guinness World Record. Just like I made a post in one of my videos on my social media handle, many people have been going, you know, attempting Guinness without approval.

But in this one, we have approval from Guinness and in my dashboard on Guinness website, there is already a column for uploading of evidence or asking of question or anything that is specially designed for people they have already approved for the attempts.

So once we are done with the attempts, we would simply upload them and all the document that are necessary.

We upload them to Guinness World Record site and wait for their review.

Once they are done with the review, an Email will be sent to us on the outcome of the review.

The post EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “Why I Want To Break Guinness World Record On Most Trees Planted By Individual” – Michael Odenigbo appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

A Nigerian Environmental advocate, Michael Odenigbo will on Thursday, June 5, 2025 attempt to break the Guinness World Record most planted trees within 24 hours by an individual. Mr Odenigbo will be planting 27, 000 moringa trees at the Nigeria’s first state-owned university, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Enugu State, Nigeria.

He had already obtained approval from the Guinness World Record to embark on the historic exercise.

The record for most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours is 23,060, set by Antoine Moses in Canada. The record was achieved on July 17, 2021, in La Crete, Alberta.

Through this attempt, Odenigbo aims  to enhance Enugu State’s carbon sequestration through massive tree planting, raise global awareness about the importance of trees and climate change particularly among young people, and establish a platform for my goal to plant 5 million trees by the year 2030.

This attempt is supported by the Enugu State government with the aim to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of tree planting to safeguard the environment.

Michael Odenigbo Profile

Michael Odenigbo, a native of Igbo Etiti in Enugu State, is an environmental advocate. During his undergraduate days in school, he was elected the Senate President of the National Council of Enugu state students Worldwide. He used that platform not only to legislate, but also to make pro environmental policies in the student’s council. He also carried out tree planting and waste management awareness programmes which is aimed towards making environmental impacts.

During his National Youth Service, he served as the President of the Environmental Protection and Sanitation CDS Group Uyo between May 2024 to January 2025. This gave him the opportunity to lead a team of other environmentally inclined corps members into a partnership with Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency. Through this partnership, they engaged on various environmental research, awareness programmes, tree planting exercises, plastic waste evacuations, brand auditing of plastic wastes, and so on. His impact towards the environmental betterment of Uyo (the capital city of Akwa Ibom State) earned him a recognition and a letter of recommendation from the State through the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency.

As a leader, a writer, a student, and lover of nature, he looks forward to opportunities to make impact towards climate change mitigation and keeping the ecosystem safe.

The post Guinness World Record: Michael Odenigbo to Plant 27, 000 Moringa Trees in ESUT appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has declared Thursday, June 5^th, lecture-free day for both students and staff.

Disclosing this to ESUT Monitor in his office, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chike Nwoha said the reason is to afford the staff and students needed time to take part in the World Environment Day as well as the Guninnees World Record 27, 000 tree planting excersice set to take place in the university same day.

A Nigerian, Michael Odenigbo, an enviromentalist and a native of Igbo Etiti Local Council in Enugu will on June 5^th attempt to break the Guinness World Record on the number of tress planted within 24 hours by an individual. Mr Odenigbo is expected to plant 27, 000 moringa trees in ESUT between Jun 5 and 6, 2025.

Speaking during the Green Environment Committee meeting, constituted by the management of the university to ensure environmental sustainability and planting of trees in the university, the DVC said that the Committee is poised to provide green enviromrnt and charged staff and students to turn out en mass to be part of the programme.

“On our part as a committee, we are planting 200 trees as part of our mandate to promote a healthy greener environment and help to mitigate the impact of climate change.

“Again, as part of activities to mark the 2025 World Enviroment Day here in ESUT, Mr Michael Odenigbo will be aiming to break the Guninness World Record on the number of trees planted within 24 hours by and individual. We are happy to announce that the tree planting excersice will take place here in ESUT. The management has provided the need land for the event and will support him to excel.

 “Consquently, June 5, 2025, has been declared a lecture-free day in the university to enable students and staff to participate in the event,” he stated.

The theme for the 2025 World Environment Day is “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” The theme focuses on the importance of land restoration and its impact on future generations.

Republic of Korea will be hosting the World Environment Day 2025, with a specific focus on ending plastic pollution globally. This coincides with the Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, sustainable production and consumption, and protecting oceans and ecosystems.

The post Guinness World Record, ESUT Declares June 5 Lecture-free Day appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

 By Joseph Joy and Daniel Amarachi

Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is set to host a Guinness World Record (GWR) tree planting event between June 4 and 5, 2025, in conjunction with World Environment Day celebrations.

The event, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change, will feature Michael Odenigbo from Igbo Etiti Local Council of Enugu indigene, who will attempt to plant trees for 24 hours to set a new Guinness World Record.

A meeting to discuss preparations for the event was hosted in the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chike Nwoha, where Deans of various faculties and Heads of Department were tasked with organizing the planting of 200 environmental trees within their respective faculties.

According to Prof. T.O. Onedu, a member of the Green Environment Committee, he said that the university’s Vice Chancellor has declared an emergency on tree planting, with the goal of transforming the environment into a green oasis. Each faculty has been tasked with planting at least 200 environmental trees within their respective faculties while the committee will organize common areas like roads and open spaces.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor encouraged Deans and HoDs to mobilize their faculties to participate in the event, which will also feature the Governor and the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Enugu State, as special guests.

Consquently, June 5, 2025, has been declared a lecture-free day in the university to enable students and staff to participate in the event.

“We are adopting a strategy where each faculty will participate fully in the exercise, and we will provide support and guidance to ensure its success.

“The benefits of tree planting far outweighs the disadvantages, and we believe that this initiative will contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of climate change,” Prof. Onedu said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Prof. Emeka Nze, revealed that his faculty has already completed planting 200 ornamental and economic trees. “We have a committee in charge of ornamental and economic trees, and we have been working hard to ensure that our faculty leads the way in this initiative,” he said.

Prof. Nze also offered the faculty’s assistance to other faculties in providing manure and expertise to ensure the success of the tree planting exercise. “We are ready to assist any faculty that needs help, and we will monitor the progress of the assignment given to us by the management,” he said.

The event aims to promote environmental sustainability, beautify the surroundings, and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. With the participation of all faculties, the event promises to be a grand success, and the university’s efforts are expected to inspire others to take action in protecting the environment.

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Enugu – Popular Enugu-born relationship coach, Princess Joseph Okechukwu, who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest interviewing marathon by an individual has given reasons behind achieving such feat.

The Nkanu-born lady, who graduated from ESUT some years ago, conducted interviews for 72 hours and 12 minutes, surpassing her initial target of 65 hours and 30 seconds.

The marathon, titled Kings’ Couples Palooza, began on Thursday, December 5, 2024, to December 8, 2024 at No. 61A Ezillo Independence Layout, Enugu, where Princess Okechukwu interviewed 103 participants, including couples, singles, widows, and divorced individuals, on topics related to relationships, marriage, and personal growth.

Speaking with newsmen after achieving this feat, Princess Okechukwu thanked God for the opportunity to have achieved one of her biggest goals in life.

She stated that the zeal to inform the world about the beauty of marriage, its benefits, and more in a society that is gradually losing interest in family values prompted the Guinness World Record attempt.

She posited that there is beauty in workable marriages, and its awareness needs to be made known to all, especially those who are already misinformed.

 “This was about promoting the beauty of workable marriages and inspiring a renewed interest in family preservation.

The primary vision behind this record attempt was to show the world the beauty of workable marriage and stir the passion in them to desire them, thereby promoting marital rebirth and family preservation.

This prompted me to conduct in-depth interviews with over 100 couples and individuals, just to show the world the beauty of workable marriages and steps towards having great marriages.

I believe that there is a need for global awareness of marital rejuvenation and family strengthening, according to UN Goal 16 (Peace, Family Strengthening).

There is a need to promote marital rebirth and family preservation through mutual respect, meaningful connections, understanding of gender roles and responsibilities, trust, and right communication in relationships.”

Princess Okechukwu also narrated the challenges and ordeals encountered during the Guinness World Record attempt, which she said almost demoralized her. However, her strong will and determination helped push her through.

“It was almost a failed mission. I had few individuals who believed in my vision, and to get the support of many was hard. A series of promises from people were not fulfilled.

But despite the absence of sponsors, physical supporters, and disappointment from expected and unexpected sources, I persevered and achieved my goal. Although I didn’t meet my initial proposed expectations, I believe that I delivered my best effort considering the resources available to me. My passion for promoting global awareness of marital rebirth and family preservation drove me forward, resonating deeply within me. I sought to demonstrate that a determined girl-child can accomplish extraordinary feats despite obstacles, as long as she believes in herself. Another source of my motivation was to make my husband, children, family, community, state, and country proud.”

She, however, thanked all those who availed their time, resources, and more to ensure a successful outing, while also urging everyone to join hands in strengthening the marital institution across the globe.

“I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this endeavor, including the participants, volunteers, and witnesses. This achievement would not have been possible without their collective efforts.

As I look to the future, I am excited to continue promoting the importance of relationships, marriages, family, and community building. This record attempt has inspired me to pursue new initiatives and projects that foster meaningful connections and personal growth. Let us all join hands to make marriage a formidable institution for societal growth across the globe.”

Reports also have it that independent witnesses and timekeepers verified the record attempt, ensuring all guidelines were followed during the Guinness World Record attempt, while volunteers also provided logistical support throughout the event.

The post Guinness World Record: “Why I Embarked on a 72-Hour Interview Marathon” – Princess Okechukwu appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Amarachi Daniel

Enugu – Ambassador Princess Joseph Okechukwu, a graduate of Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is set to break Guinness World Record on Longest Interview Marathon.

Amb Okechukwu, a comely woman with immense attributes is seeking to become the first person in the world to interview 100 married couples in three days.

The former Vice President of then Faculty of Natural Sciences 2013/2014 set, is targeting 65:00:30 hours in her campaign, interviewing couples about their marriage

Tagged: King’s Couple Palooza” Amb Okechukwu’s interest in this campaign was inspired by her career as a personal and relationship breakthrough coach.

The founder of The King’s Herald and Women of Time Movement, she is driven by a shared passion to see marriages thrive and societies transformed.

To achieve her dream, she is set to interview 100 couples, widows, widowers and divorced individuals to show the people who have given up on marital preservation that marriage thrives despite the odds.

In her official announcement, she expressed her displeasure to see marriage fail on little issues, and as a wife, mum, human capital developer and educator, she sees marriage failures as a societal destroyer, hence her inspiration to once again rejuvenate hope on the very fabric of human existence.

The Longest Interview Marathon will take place from 5th to 7th December 2024, at 3rd Inventories Office, Temple Avenue, Behind First Bank Headquarters, Okpara Avenue, Enugu.

The event will be featuring games, music and dance, Barbecue, Bonfire, movie night, comedy and more.

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