‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ — King Charles III Backs Nigerian Jollof as Best in Africa

‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ — King Charles III Backs Nigerian Jollof as Best in Africa

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, has declared that he has been “firmly assured” Nigerian jollof rice stands as the best on the African continent, adding a cultural flourish to diplomatic engagements with Nigeria.

The King made the remark during a state banquet held in honour of President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as part of the President’s ongoing two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

Speaking before a distinguished audience of about 160 guests, the monarch blended humour with diplomacy while referencing the long-standing culinary rivalry over jollof rice among West African nations.

“I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course, or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!” the King said, drawing laughter from attendees.

Jollof rice, a popular West African dish prepared with rice cooked in a rich tomato, pepper and onion sauce, remains a staple at social gatherings and celebrations, often served with meat, fried plantains or salad.

Beyond cuisine, the British monarch paid glowing tribute to Nigerians living in the UK, noting their significant contributions across various sectors.

“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, and the arts,” he said.

He added that he has personally encountered many Nigerians making remarkable impacts in institutions across the country, describing them as “quiet heroes” shaping British society.

According to him, he recently hosted a vibrant group of Nigerians at St James’s Palace during a “Jollof and Tea” gathering, celebrating their achievements and cultural heritage.

In a symbolic gesture that underscored the warmth of bilateral relations, the monarch departed from royal protocol by greeting the Nigerian delegation in Yoruba.

“Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni,” he said — meaning, “Welcome, how are you doing?”

While proposing a toast at the banquet, the King also extended goodwill to Muslims in both countries in the spirit of the season, before concluding with a phrase that resonated strongly with Nigerians.

“Let me propose a toast to the president and people of Nigeria. Naija no dey carry last,” he said.