13/09/2025
Hilda Baci cooking rice and breaking a Guinness World Record captured attention across Nigeria and beyond. It was entertaining, it created a buzz, and for a moment it gave us something to talk about. But the real question is, how does this contribute to nation-building?
What is the tangible benefit to society? What impact does it have on us as Nigerians beyond clapping and trending hashtags? The Guinness Book of Records is global recognition, yes, but when the excitement fades, what difference does it make to our economy, our education, or our healthcare?
In truth, there’s little difference between this and a show like Big Brother Naija. Both give us a spectacle, both generate hype, but neither translates into real development for us as a people. They don’t build infrastructure, they don’t reduce unemployment, and they don’t solve our national challenges.
This is not to say individuals shouldn’t pursue their dreams or showcase their talents, that has its place. But as a nation, we must ask ourselves: are we confusing entertainment with progress? True nation building comes from innovation, policies that work, investments in human capital, and leaders who serve with integrity. Anything less is just noise.
Olu CHi