PROGRESS OBERIKO BLOG

The first time I had it, it tasted so MILKY. And I liked it. I sucked it very slowly and savored the LIQUID, the feeling left me in appetence.... swimming in my nostalgia. I drained all the liquid down my gullet... The fact that it was very chilled made it flow down my system so swiftly. As a matter of fact, it took him a whole lot to convince me to try it. Because I’ve always been very meticulous and skeptical about any kinda “canned handmade concoction” of any sort. He went further deeper in his job of trying to convince me, and another voice joined him, spelling out how nutritious it was, and how good it is in the body. After too many stories, I gave in .... And I said Lemme 'kukuma' try this thing sef! It was a fruit drink galore. She ordered sugar cane juice, he had Bitrus or B-whatever, while I decided to try it for the second time. As soon as I mentioned that I’d love to have TIGER-NUT JUICE, the table turned! And all eyes became focused on me. The m...

When I first saw them sucking, so many thoughts ran through my mind; I couldn’t help but wonder what manner of food that could be. Although I was very young, I could still replay the look on their faces whenever they sucked. I’m referring to the 'Calabar' neighbor we had, whose kitchen was marked by the unique redolence. The aroma alone does a public announcement that they are “Calabarians”. I dunno if you’ve tried this sucking before; but my first time was with Afang soup. Afang soup makes no sense without  “suckables” in it. Omg...I lack words to describe By now you’re wondering what exactly this thing is ... “Mfi”, as it is locally called, is simply unshelled periwinkles. It is mostly eaten by Cross Riverians and Akwa Ibomites; and it is characterized by so much sand content. You can tell when someone is cooking with “Mfi” during the washing... The process is so tedious. Enough water and enough patience are the basic tools for washing, as it makes so much nois...

Known for their most receptive and hospitable nature, Cross-Riverians are saddled with the flaw of living in their “Comfort Zone”... they ain’t hustlers; not all tho, but a large number. Not as if they’re lazy, I’ll be wrong if I address them as such. But they really do not have the spirit of striving, like, I mean hustling... or I should rather say they’re not industrious or not so business oriented.  No hard feelings, I served there, and not only did I serve there, I also got involved with the life of the people and their overall orientation; and I enjoyed my stay, but truth be told, most of the people doing business there are strangers, especially the Ibos.  But here is one out of the crowd of 'COMFORT-ZONERS'! One who chose to stand out, and have since been a bedrock of inspiration to many!  A young effervescent pretty graduate; She’s the female version of TIMAYA... The PLANTAIN SELLER! Call her madam “Bole” (Roasted plantain)... Call her the G...