Amanda Namayi

There is a song by Will Smith featuring Dru Hill and Kool Mo Dee called “Wild Wild West”. While there is nothing in particular I want to emphasize about the song, it is just odd that it comes to mind whenever I write about anything remotely related to a “west” of any kind. I even titled a blog post “The Wild, Wild West…..” albeit from a Christian lens and you can take a read if you fancy – it’s quite funny if I do say so myself.

I am a certified East African girl by birth, citizenship and all the above; but my love for West Africa(ns) is undeniable.

I first set foot in West Africa in 2017 when I flew to Cote d’Ivoire for the Africa Food Systems Summit, referred to at the time as the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF). The Summit was held in Abidjan, and the minute I left the airport, the waft of the saline air reminded me of my hometown, Mombasa. It was also in Abidjan that I learnt most of the French that I now know today. I studied French a few years later at The Alliance Française and attained my diploma in the language; but what I recall now is the French that I learnt in Abidjan – everything else was pretty much “textbook”.

My next experience in West Africa was in Ghana, where I first set foot in Accra; another coastal city that reminded me of my hometown, Mombasa. The people are calm, kind and easy-going. They have a tepid nature akin to my Mombasa people. I got to drink plenty of coconut water while there – which we call madafu in Swahili – and is one of my all time favourite drinks.

It was all fun and games with Ghana until Nigeria stepped in the room.

They don’t call Nigeria The Big Brother or the Giant of Africa for nothing.

Now the tables turned.

I had been Ghana-fied at that point, having frequented the country several times, made some awesome friends there and even spent my Easter holiday in Accra last year (2024); but all this was before setting foot in Nigeria.

It is noteworthy that my going to Nigeria did not mark my first interaction with Nigerians. I have gushed about their overwhelming support in my food systems advocacy journey on X before. I even lovingly consider my Nigerian friends as my family.

There has been a salient “Naija-fication” over the years.

It started with the apparel followed by being christened a Yoruba name. I was then taught some small small pidgin and eventually, I was taken to the country itself.

In the never-ending rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, I break my tie by casting another vote to Nigeria!

Is it is the elaborate draping of the Agbada flaunting my African-ness? Is it the tantalizing taste of egusi in my mouth? Or is it the belligerence with which Nigerians speak pidgin? I cannot put a finger on one particular thing; but what I can tell you is this – when you see me, please serve me Nigerian party jollof! I have tasted Ghanaian jollof and Nigerian jollof, but the party jollof is where it’s at. ❤

However, when it comes to plantains and anything plantain-related, Ghana trumps Nigeria by a landslide! From their plantain chips, to kelewele, to gobe, to kenkey, to fried plantain to fufu — you name it. I recently ate some plantain chips from Nigeria and I was gravely disappointed. For any dish involving plantains, I’ll choose the Ghanaian version any day. In addition to plantains, I enjoyed Ghanaian shito with wele and waakye; and did I mention their delectable dark chocolate?

Goodness, I’m almost drooling on my keyboard writing about the Ghana/Nigeria culinary diversity!

If you’ve read my articles before, you know I can’t help but write about food; after all, at the heart of food systems is food itself!

There is something about Nigerians and how they show up and show all the way out!!!! They dress elaborately, speak zealously and my oh my, let me not get started on their food and how they ensure you EAT when you are with them. These people are confident and occupy a room with their presence without even saying a word.

The steeze!

Mmmhhhh. Mmmhhhh. Mmmhhhh.

I have got lots to unpack about Nigeria and my comparisons with other experiences in West Africa so rest assured that there will be a sequel to this post.

I will be talking more about their food – of course – and some of the AgTech innovations from Nigeria that are taking Africa by storm!

Stay tuned and subscribe!

Amanda Namayi