Kunle Ologunro, Author at Zikoko!

Yes, Nigeria is renowned for her Jollof. But there is a lot more food in Nigeria that foreigners do not get to taste when they visit. We are changing that. If you are visiting Nigeria, please request for any of the foods on this list and experience the wonders of the motherland.

Here are 15 foods to try when you visit Nigeria:

1. Pepper Soup

This one will awaken your tongue. Be careful with it though; three spoonfuls in and you’re already turning red in the face and asking for more water. If you can ace it though, there’s no Nigerian meal that will ever seem daunting to you.

2. Egusi

One of our many best offerings in terms of Nigerian food. This goes well with any swallow you desire. Don’t eat it with a spoon or a fork. Use your fingers to get the complete essence.

3. Puff Puff

This is a light snack, yet very filling. It’s soft and fluffy. You’ll always want more.

4. Eba and okro soup.

There’s okra, and there’s okro. If you are visiting Nigeria for the first time, ensure you try okro soup and eba. Both meals combine to give you a taste experience that is completely out of this world.

5. Pounded Yam and Efo riro.

Pounded yam is referred to as the king of swallows. When we crown a food “King”, then you know that food has earned it. If Pounded Yam is the King, then Efo Riro is the worthy Queen. A combo of these two is an experience that will make you apply for a Nigerian passport.

Read: We Ranked Nigerian Swallows From Worst To Best

6. Suya.

This is different from the grilled meat you’re used to. The difference is the Nigerian flavour, and the secret “night time” ingredient added. If you ever touch down in Nigeria, wait till “night time” and then approach the maisuya for a taste. You will know it when it touches your tongue.

7. Ofada rice and stew.

This is our local rice, so you can expect to get that local flavour that cannot be replicated elsewhere. You definitely don’t want to miss out on that.

8 Food Decisions You Need To Make This New Year

8. Moi-moi.

This is made of beans, and can be eaten as a snack or accompanied with other meals like rice. Whichever way you choose to eat it, bear in mind that you will definitely crave more.

9. Afang soup.

If you find yourself in the South-South side of Nigeria, please do not miss out on Afang soup. The mix of ingredients — beef, fish, palm oil, crayfish, pepper, Shaki, waterleaf, okazi leaf, onion, periwinkle, and may others — is something you don’t want to miss.

10. Beans and plantain.

We’re aware that you have your type of beans. That is why this is on the list. You need to taste Nigerian beans whenever you visit Nigeria. You get extra points if it is Ewa Agoyin and Agege bread.

11. Ogbono.

This is draw soup for the culture. Top-tier and elite. You can try it with it fufu, or eba.

12. Gizdodo.

This is a combination of gizzard and fried plantain. The taste speaks for it.

13. Ekpang Nkukwo.

Another South-South delicacy, this meal is made from freshly-grated cocoyam with a number of other ingredients added for unique flavour and taste.

14. Fried yam.

This is a perfect introduction to yam for people who haven’t tried it before. Here’s the truth: You’ll enjoy it completely.

15. Masa.

These rice cakes are a Northern delicacy. If you ever stop by the North in your visit to Nigeria, this is one of the foods to try. Please ensure you don’t miss out. You will definitely want more.

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Making New Year resolutions are important, but most of the time, people ignore the food part. This year, resolve to do better for your health and body by making these food decisions.

1. Drink a lot of water.

Drinking water helps the balance of body fluids that aid digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. It’s very important to your health.

2. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, plant protein and antioxidants. That sounds…. a lot, but here’s the gist of it: eating a lot of fruits and vegetables will lower your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

3. Cut back on sugar.

For a healthy diet, sugars should be less than 10% of your intake. Instead of eating cookies, sweets, chocolates and the likes, opt for fresh fruits. Also limit your consumption of soft drinks, and other drinks with a high sugar content.

4. Cut back on excess salt.

We kuku said this last year but you refused to hear us. Anyway, we’re back again. Reduce the way you eat salt! Frying plantain with salt, and the likes should stop this year. A reduced salt intake helps prevent hypertension, risk of heart disease and stroke.

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5. Resolve not to miss breakfast.

Breakfast is an important part of your day. Please, don’t be too busy and miss it. You’re doing yourself a great disservice.

6. Eat less fat.

Excess fat consumption can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. Replace red meat with fish.

Red meat can be high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and excess consumption of it can lead to an increased risk of diabetes.

8. Reduce junk food.

Everything we have said in this article points to this final fact. Junk food contains elements that can be quite harmful when consumed in excess. Sugar, high salt content, excessive saturated fat.

Make these food decisions your watchword, dears.

Chopist is the Zikoko category for everything food. There’s always something for you, we promise.

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Press Release
- A raft of events, festivals, and seasonal celebrations are planned to allow holidaymakers to ring in the New Year safely and enjoy the best of the destination in 2021 in style
- Greater booking flexibility, automatic multi-risk travel insurance coverage with every flight, a waiver of change fees on Emirates tickets and a one month visa extension enable visitors to extend their trip to Dubai
- Visitors from across the globe continue to enjoy Dubai’s leading attractions, facilities, and amenities in a safe and protected environment with stringent health and safety protocols
Almost six months on from reopening its borders to international visitors on 7^th July 2020, Dubai has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its residents and holidaymakers, whilst preparing to ring in 2021 in style.

Dubai continues to take effective steps under the guidance of the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai to build on the strategic initiative to reopen the city to tourists and facilitate travel while maintaining stringent health and safety protocols. With the New Year approaching, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Emirates have partnered to offer all those who have already travelled to Dubai the opportunity to extend their trip until 31^st January 2021 with fees for date changes waived on flights when issued in the same travel class. Emirates is also offering a host of special fares for international travellers for bookings made by 3^rd January 2021 and automatic multi-risk travel insurance coverage with every flight including cover for COVID-19 medical and in-trip quarantine costs extended for flights until 31^st January 2021. In addition, tourist visas for all nationalities will be extended for one month free of charge. Now is the time for holidaymakers to make the most of their trip and experience even more of Dubai.

RING IN 2021 IN STYLE

When it comes to New Year’s countdowns, Dubai never falls short of expectations. Burj Khalifa’s breathtaking fireworks and light & laser show will be synchronized to The Dubai Fountain Show, and promises to reflect a true celebration of Dubai. Performances by international artists such as KISS at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai as well as DJ sets promise something for everyone to enjoy.

HEAD TO THE BEACH FOR WINTER SUN

With January temperatures hovering in the mid-20s, Dubai’s beaches are perfect for those seeking winter sun. From untouched shorelines ideal for family escapes to active watersports hubs populated by windsurfers, kitesurfers and bodyboarders, Dubai has a beach for everyone.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Dubai Shopping Festival is now in its 26^th year and is held until 30^th January 2021. Malls and shopping destinations come alive with family fun and entertainment, live concerts, unique markets, art installations and stage shows. With super sales, unmissable promotions and chances to win life-changing prizes it is the perfect place for those that want to enjoy retail therapy and exciting events all set against a backdrop of stunning light and fireworks shows.

COMEDY, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS GALORE

From comedy events to retail therapy to sporting activities, Dubai offers an exciting calendar of events all held in line with the highest safety standards. During the first quarter of 2021, renowned comedian Jack Whitehall hits the stage at Dubai World Trade Centre on 13^th and 14^th January, whilst breakout artist Calum Scott performs hits from his debut album ‘Only Human’ at Dubai Opera on 20^th January as part of Dubai Shopping Festival. Art buffs, literary fans and culture connoisseurs are also well catered for with seasonal exhibitions at trendy Alserkal Avenue as well as Emirates Airline Festival of Literature commencing on 29^th January 2021.

STAY, PLAY AND WORK FROM DUBAI

If 2020 was the year of working from home, then 2021 will be the year of virtual working. With Dubai having announced the new virtual working programme, now is the time to take the plunge and work from one of the world’s most connected cities. Entrepreneurs and flexible workers can extend their holiday and experience great quality of life and have access to convenient facilities and resources to help them further their career or grow their business.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “The remarkable vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai has been a huge inspiration to us, leading to the decisive and effective management of the pandemic. With 2021 on the horizon, we look forward to continuing to welcome first time and repeat visitors to Dubai, with stringent health protocols and precautionary measures firmly in place. We are pleased to continue to work closely with our strategic partners Emirates, as well as our hospitality partners, allowing holidaymakers to experience the vibrant energy of Dubai and all our iconic attractions, fantastic culinary and shopping experiences, and exciting festivals and events with added reassurance and flexibility.”

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “Emirates has worked closely with all Dubai stakeholders to gradually restore our network and signature services, with all bio-safety measures in place. Since Dubai re-opened for international visitors, we’ve been seeing an upward trend in enquiries and bookings which reflects the confidence that travellers have in Dubai and in Emirates. Today, Emirates is flying to nearly 100 cities across the world, providing easy access to Dubai for international travellers and offering a world class travel experience. Together with our strategic partner Dubai Tourism, we’re extending that experience with even more attractive offers, and the assurance of travel flexibility and care. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to Dubai in 2021.”

Alexander Lee, Jumeirah Group’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “The opening of Dubai in July 2020 to international visitors had an incredibly positive impact on Jumeirah’s bookings from a number of overseas markets, a trend that has continued ever since. We are attributing this to both the breadth of offer we have here in Dubai, particularly our 2km private beachfront with its extensive pool, dining and spa offering, but also the certified health and safety measures in place for guest peace of mind, including Dubai Tourism’s Dubai Assured programme. Six of our hotels in Dubai have furthermore received the prestigious Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label, which we believe has gone a long way in helping to restore confidence for international travelers. As we move into 2021, we are looking forward to welcoming more international guests to experience our renowned hospitality, in particular our culinary experiences, such as French Riviera, our French Mediterranean concept on the beach at Jumeirah Al Qasr, and most recently SAL, a chic new beach concept and striking Southern European dining destination on The Terrace at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.”

Tim Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s directive to extend tourist visas for one additional month without any government fees, represents a clear reflection of Dubai government’s generous support to help tourists to spend a stress-free new year’s holiday in Dubai.”

“At Atlantis, The Palm we are ending 2020 with a bang with the world’s largest ever live-streamed event by rock legends KISS, together with a record-breaking firework and pyrotechnic display – the likes of which have yet to be seen – while, of course, maintaining stringent health and safety protocols. In line with Emirates’ special January fares, and the events lined up by Dubai Tourism across the emirate, Atlantis is also unlocking a host of exclusive offers for guests staying five nights or more from 2^nd January to 30^th April 2021 with its January sale. These include an array of adventures for guests to start ticking off their bucketlists for 2021, with international guests also benefitting from complimentary in-resort PCR tests.”

Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer, Accor India, Turkey, Middle East & Africa said: “It is clear that 2020 has been a year of challenges for the tourism and hospitality industry, however, as it comes to an end, it is very encouraging to see some positive business levels during the past few months, especially in the Dubai market. With a portfolio of more than 45 hotels in the city, brands ranging from economy, with Ibis and Novotel, to luxury with Raffles and Fairmont, Accor properties in Dubai have seen a positive trend from local tourism with an increase in demand for “staycations”, as well as a positive increase in stays from a number of regional and international visitors. The uptake in both of these markets has been mainly possible due to the vision, planning and quick implementation by the Dubai government, which quickly established Dubai on the map, even more than before, as a safe and secure destination for tourists to visit.

We are confident that with the ongoing safety precautions, which are being strictly implemented throughout our hotels and the city, alongside the large number of events and attractions that will be taking place in 2021, Dubai will continue to see positive signs in the market, which will also enable us to continue to open more hotels throughout the year, including the Rixos Dubai Hotel & Suites Jewel of the Creek in Deira and the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences to name a few”.

Going into 2021, Dubai will continue to strengthen its offering for leisure visitors with new attractions and hotels in the pipeline. In addition, Dubai will see the return of world-class events and festivals including Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, and in October 2021, Dubai will play host to the first ever World Expo to be held in this region.

About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.
A sapiosexual is “someone who finds intelligence sexually attractive or arousing.” Do not be one of those people who say “am sapiosexual” when they introduce themselves.

Here’s how to be an original Nigerian sapiosexual.

1. First of all, put Sapiosexual in your bio.

You have to confess your profession. Also, let your prospective followers know beforehand that intelligence is the only currency you spend.

2. Use big words in your posts.

How will they know what you are if you don’t manifest it?

3. You want to express your thoughts? Turn your posts into a mini dissertation.

Anyone who does not have the patience to read it surely does not have the mental range you desire.

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4. Never ever be seen looking for gossip on the TL.

That one is for non-sapiosexuals, people who are not interested in educating themselves. You, however, are above that. If you really want to hear the gist, create a burner account for that.

5. Always follow the serious-minded accounts.

Who is Beyonce when you can follow Mahatma Ghandi? Seek ye first wisdom and intellect before pursuing vanity.

6. Yes, you’re Sapiosexual, but you must never follow any porn accounts.

That’s not the kind of sexuality you are after. You are attracted to intellect; do they have any videos of pornstars knacking intellect? The answer is no.

7. Never be seen begging for giveaway.

USE YOUR BURNER.

8. If you ever land a date from your Sapiosexual appearance, take them to a library and ask them questions from a book of Current Affairs.

That’s the way to show and act like what you are: A TRUE SAPIOSEXUAL.

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You call them friends, neighbours, even family. But they did not serve you Christmas food. Well, here’s how to treat their fuck-up:

1. Stop greeting them.

They don’t deserve it.

2. When they spread their clothes, leave it outside so rain can beat it.

Shebi they also let hunger beat you. It’s tit for tat.

3. If they are your social media friends, do not engage with their posts.

Look away. Their posts are kuku not interesting anyway.

4. In fact, unfriend, unfollow and block them.

Bye bye to jati jati.

5. Deflate the tires of their car.

Let us see which car they will drive to go and buy another set of ingredients.

6. Snatch their boyfriend/girlfriend.

Next time, they will not try rubbish with you.

7. Sneak into their bathroom and pour detergent in their bath water.

Scatter their plans.

8. Call police for them.

Let them spend two nights in detention, see if their head will not be correct by force.

Have you read this?

If Mary And Joseph Were A Nigerian Couple
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the earthly son of Mary and Joseph. The circumstances surrounding His birth are wonderful and completely awesome, and we thought, “What if Jesus was born to a Nigerian couple?”

Here’s how such a thing might have panned out:

1. For starters, nobody would have believed Mary’s story that Angel Gabriel visited her.

As per na you be the only virgin wey dey Lagos? Just confess that you and Brother Joseph fell into the sin of temptation, let us know how we can intercede for you.

2. Brother Joseph sef would have fled.

His final lines would be: And I trusted you, Sister Mary. I trusted the Holy Spirit in your life!

3. Even after the Holy Spirit visited him in his dreams, he would still have found it one-kind.

Like, “Wetin dey occur exactly? How I go collect pikin wey no be my own?” Sha, he’ll likely accept, because God works in mysterious ways.

4. Mary and Joseph when they realise the potential Jesus carries.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

5. Mary to Jesus when they return home after looking for him for three days.

Mary: IN YOUR LIFE! What did I say??!

Jesus: *sobbing* You said *sobs* in my life.

Mary: Good.

6. Mary’s shop after she realises Jesus can turn water to wine.

E no easy to born pikin wey get superpower.

7. Neighbours to their children when Jesus starts performing miracles

Believe us, we know some mothers who can actually say this.

You’ll enjoy this:

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The MTN Y’ello Star competition brought a fresh wave of talents to our screens. For weeks, these talents showed us their vocal prowess, and with each performance showed their star potential. The competition has ended, and of all these talents, one major star rises to the top.

That star is Dotti, the overall winner of the MTN Y’ello Star competition, and the man of the moment.

Here are 5 amazing things you should know about him.

1. His real name is Oladotun Okeowo Alani

2. He is 26 years old, and he has a National Diploma in Music Tech from The Polytechnic, Ibadan

3. Before the show, he worked as a songwriter and a jingle producer

4. He draws influence and inspiration from the music of Fatoumata Diawara, Oumou Sangare, Mali Music, and Adeolu Akinsanya.

5. Occasionally, he works as a voice coach

Dotti got a cash prize of N5 million, a Berklee college scholarship, an opportunity to record a song at the Power Studio in New York with international acts including Malik Yusef who is a six-time Grammy award winner.

Dotti also got a brand new apartment with an in-built studio, a recording contract, and a brand new car.

Here’s a short video of Dotti serenading us with his amazing singing talent. Watch and be blown away.

We are rooting for Dotti, man of the moment and winner of the MTN Y’ello Star competition!
For today’s Ranked, I decided to go for a common Nigerian staple: Ogi. This dish (our local custard, if you may), has been repping from the beginning of time. Right from being the main dish on Saturday mornings, to being combined with beans, Ogi has come a long way. And now, we rank the variants to pick the best of all.

3. Brown (Ogi baba)

This is highly nutritious, especially for babies. But for me, it doesn’t exactly fall within my range of preference. I wonder if there are actual adults who enjoy this variant.

2. White

I don’t know if it’s just me, but there’s something about white ogi that reminds me of a strict and wicked teacher. No attempt to disguise, just plain “what you see is what you get.” I like it all the same sha, at least for the fact that you can add other orisirisi to make it taste even better.

1. Yellow

This variant made me love pap. If there was no yellow pap, I wonder what would have become of my relationship with pap. I like how the look changes when you add milk, either powder or evaporated one. Yellow ogi is really top-tier.

Last week’s ranking:

Ranked: What’s The Best Fish Ever?
It is one thing to like food, it is another thing to have a serious case of long-throat. If these 8 signs are manifesting in your life, my brother my sister, you are suffering from long-throat. Seek help ASAP.

1. You must not see any food picture online, you are already salivating.

Stir-fry spaghetti, grilled turkey, burger, or anything, your throat is already pulsing with desire. We pity you.

2. Anytime you have 1k in your account, the next thing you think of is food.

You don’t even think of how to better your life with that 1k. First thing is shawarma or a plate of food. Tueh.

3. You have the phone number of more than 5 food vendors.

If it’s sure for you, show us your phone book let us see.

4. You can’t count the number of restaurants you have eaten at.

How do you hope to sustain a family this way? Is this how you want to continue living?

5. If you visit someone’s house and they offer you food, you’ll collect it.

They kuku taught you, but it’s you that refused to obey your parents. Don’t you wonder why people no longer invite you to their house?

6. You are always trying out new food.

“I’m a foodie.” Haq. Sharap there my fren!

7. Your love language is food.

We been knew oh. One slice of cake, and they have won your heart. Femi, is that all you’re worth?

8. Each time you attend a party, you always want a second helping.

Why else do you think they didn’t invite you to that wedding? They know you are a consuming fire.

Change your ways!
If you are a fan of avocados, this one’s for you. Here are six different ways to eat your favourite fruit. Don’t worry about the naysayers, just eat your thing and be happy.

1. As a smoothie.

Photo: All Nigerian Recipes

To make it, you need the following ingredients:

a. 1 avocado

b. 1 ripe banana

c. 1 tin of evaporated milk.

d. 2 tablespoons of Quaker oats

e. Whole milk.

Here’s a YouTube video:

2. With salt sprinkled on it.

You can also add some pepper too. Or a dash of olive oil.

3. As a salad dressing.

This one has to be for people who have A LOT of love for avocados.

4. As ice cream.

Truly we serve a living God. Avocado Ice-cream pic.twitter.com/EI3WdaagR3
— Kai Olelengis (@Gichy_) November 16, 2020

If your taste buds like some form of experiment, then this flavour was made with you in mind.

5. Added to eggs.

All you have to do is dice your avocado into small bits, then sprinkle the bits on your scrambled eggs when they are halfway done.

6. As a substitute for mayonnaise and butter.

Simply slather it on your bread and munch away.

Or you could simply stop eating avocados.