Nollywood star Jumoke Odetola has come to the defense of celebrity chef Hilda Baci, condemning the backlash that followed her latest culinary milestone in Lagos.
Baci, who first gained international attention two years ago for her Guinness World Record marathon cooking challenge, recently pulled another historic feat by preparing what has been recognized as the largest pot of Jollof rice at Eko Hotel. The occasion drew massive support, with actress Funke Akindele, media personality Enioluwa, influencer Tomike, Pastor Idowu, and Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun in attendance.
While many celebrated the achievement, a section of Nigerians mocked it, claiming the Jollof rice “wasn’t sweet.”
Taking to Instagram, Odetola expressed displeasure over the wave of negativity, lamenting that the criticism overshadowed what should have been a moment of national pride.
“The Jollof Rice no sweet. I have been angry since yesterday, and if I don’t express my thoughts, I won’t be fine. It is heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness. Since yesterday, my timeline hasn’t rested, posts, and banters everywhere, people saying things like ‘e no sweet’, cooking na achievement? And I keep asking – what is going on with us? What has changed in our mindset as humans?” she wrote.
She stressed that Baci’s effort was worthy of admiration, pointing out the courage and commitment it took to attempt such a record.
“It takes real courage to attempt something extraordinary. It takes courage to dream big. But bringing that dream into reality takes even more than courage. It demands a whole lot of preparedness mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and financially. I have just been angry since yesterday,” she added.
In a direct challenge to critics, the actress urged them to self-reflect instead of projecting negativity.
“Go somewhere private, where no one can distract you. Place your right hand on your left chest. That’s where your heart beats. Now ask yourself, slowly but honestly: WHY AM I TRIGGERED BY THE SUCCESS OF A WOMAN TRYING TO MAKE A MARK IN HER FIELD? Sit with that question. Your answer might just be the doorway to your healing,” she wrote.
Odetola ended her post with prayers for those she described as spreading bitterness and toxicity.
“May God give us peace and happiness that surpass human understanding, and heal us from past pains that have transcended into bitterness, tox!city, and hatr€d,” she concluded.
