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What does Jollof rice have to do with parenting? More than you think.
https://youtu.be/zCp1nihSp88?si=190D9lQIBOK7WK8C
When I heard Hilda Baci share how the planning for her record-breaking Jollof event took about nine months with her sponsor, Gino, and how it took nine hours to prepare the meal, something leapt in my spirit.
The number nine is significant. It reminds us of pregnancy—the season of nurturing before the arrival of a child. Interestingly, in many cultures, a person is not considered fully an adult until he or she is two times nine (18 years). Clearly, nine carries meaning both for the season before a child’s arrival and the journey into adulthood.
From this inspiration, I began to see lessons for Kingdom Parenting. Here are nine principles I learnt from Hilda Baci’s Biggest Jollof Rice Event.
1. Gino, the Sponsor
For Gino to pass their brand message across, they knew they needed a professional partner—not just anyone. So they gave Hilda all the support she needed for the task.
In the same way, God is not only the Giver of children, He is also the Sponsor of the parenting assignment. Every resource we need for this journey is in Him.
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” — Psalm 127:3
2. Hilda, the Professional
Hilda had a clear vision and kept aligning her goals with her sponsor. The investment that went into that one-day event was unimaginable.
As parents, we are professionals on duty. Our vision and goals must be well defined, and we must constantly align them with God, our Sponsor.
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” — Habakkuk 2:2
3. The Ingredients
Notice that there was no mixture of random condiments—only the products provided by the sponsor.
In parenting, raising Kingdom Ambassadors is impossible when we use mixed values, contradictory templates, or worldly language. God has already given us the key ingredient: His Word. Read it, understand it, and live by it. Others (like choice of school, media, or friendships) must work with what He has given and not against it.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
4. The Measurements—Her Recipe
Parenting requires attention to detail. Just as Hilda followed her recipe, we must follow God’s instructions—line upon line, precept upon precept.
Godliness, good character, skills, and values must not be missing. Don’t be deceived by modern-day shortcuts; stay true to the blueprint. Parenting God’s way is a system. Follow it faithfully.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7
5. The Cooking Partners—Her Support System
Hilda did not cook alone. She had men and women helping with mixing, pouring, and dishing out the Jollof. They weren’t random people but tested professionals who shared her values.
As Kingdom Parents, our support system matters. Don’t just pick anyone because you lack options; choose people whose values align with your family’s vision.
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
6. Family, Friends, Fans, and the Fire—Internal & External Influence
Despite the noise from family, friends, and fans, Hilda remained focused. She filtered out distractions and drew strength only from inspiring voices. The rice (our children) wasn’t burnt or undercooked—because she regulated the fire well.
Parents, are you raising a burnt child (over-pressured) or an undone delicacy (underprepared)? A well-balanced child will satisfy the hunger of their generation.
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” — Proverbs 13:20
7. The Pot—Big but Broken
The fabricated pot was perfect in size and completed the task, but in the end, it cracked under pressure. Thankfully, nothing spilled.
Parents, let’s be careful about unrealistic expectations we place on our children. Expectations must be explained, support systems must be strong, and children must be rooted deeply—not just grow outwardly. Otherwise, under pressure, cracks may show.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” — Matthew 7:26
8. The Scale—The Standard
The scale determined everything that went into the pot. Likewise, as Kingdom Parents, the Kingdom standard must define what we feed our children—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
You cannot raise a Jew with Babylon’s diet. Be intentional.
“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies…” — Daniel 1:8
9. The Jollof and Distribution
Just as Hilda’s Jollof was served to thousands, our children will one day leave us to serve the world with their gifts and personalities. The question is: are we raising them to shine with Kingdom values or to be rejected like tasteless food?
Different people came to Hilda’s event with food flasks of varying sizes and shapes—the world is waiting to receive from our children. Will they be ready?
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” — Romans 8:19
Final Reflection
The Biggest Jollof Pot wasn’t just a Guinness record—it was a Kingdom parenting parable. Just as Hilda’s effort fed many, our parenting journey is designed to raise children who will feed nations with wisdom, values, and godly influence.
God has given us the assignment to prepare our children as arrows. Therefore, start with the end in mind.
“Parenting is like cooking—follow God’s recipe and the world will be nourished by your children.”
Be intentional.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for entrusting me with the gift of children. Teach me to follow Your recipe with faithfulness, align my parenting with Your will, and raise children who will be nourishment to their generation. Amen.
Affirmation
I am a Kingdom Parent, sponsored by God, following His recipe, and raising children who will feed nations.
