Activist and social media personality Verydarkman has responded to critics who accused him of being jealous of celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s growing influence following her record-breaking cooking event.
Recall that Hilda Baci recently made history after Guinness World Records recognized her for cooking the largest pot of Nigerian Jollof rice, an event widely celebrated across the country.
Speaking in a viral video, Verydarkman argued that while the feat was commendable, there is a deeper symbolism to rice in Nigeria, noting that politicians often use it as a tool to pacify citizens after wrongdoing.
He, however, stressed that the event should not be labelled a “distraction” but rather a cultural celebration, adding that it was “a female thing” where men were expected to show support from the sidelines.
The activist further dismissed claims that he envied Hilda Baci’s ability to draw large crowds. Boasting of his own reach, he insisted he could fill a stadium at will if he chose to host an event.
“Nobody has the decency to call it a distraction. Hilda Baci has made Nigeria proud by putting us on the map,” he said.
“And then one person dey say Verydarkman is jealous that he cannot pull that crowd. What crowd? I can fill a stadium if I want to. I will have thousands of ratels there if I choose.”
Verydarkman’s comments have since sparked further reactions online, with some praising him for acknowledging Hilda’s achievement, while others accused him of downplaying her influence.
“There’s a history of rice in Nigeria, any small thing , they share rice” – VeryDarkMan on Hilda Baci’s jollof event pic.twitter.com/u6qll75Abz
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) September 17, 2025
