Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola has taken a strong stand against those criticizing chef Hilda Baci after her record-breaking cooking achievement in Lagos.
Last week, Baci — who gained global attention two years ago for her marathon cooking session — drew massive support when she prepared what has now been described as the largest pot of Jollof rice at Eko Hotel, Lagos. Among those present were actress Funke Akindele, media personality Enioluwa, influencer Tomike, Pastor Idowu, and Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State governor.
While the feat earned widespread praise, some detractors dismissed the effort, claiming the food “wasn’t sweet.”
Reacting to the backlash, Odetola expressed her frustration on Instagram, lamenting that the negative comments had overshadowed what should have been a moment of celebration.
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“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.
The actress stressed that Baci’s courage and determination deserved recognition, not ridicule.
“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,” Odetola added.
In a pointed message to critics, she urged them to reflect on the source of their bitterness.
“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 said.
Odetola concluded her post with a prayer for those spreading negativity.
“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 wrote.
