Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

Fried rice is one of Nigeria’s most beloved celebration meals. Whether it’s Christmas, weddings, birthdays, or Sunday lunch, this colourful dish is almost always on the menu. With its vibrant mix of vegetables, spices, and protein, it has earned a reputation for being tasty, satisfying, and nutrient-packed. But many people still ask an important question: Is fried rice actually healthy, or is it just delicious comfort food? This article breaks down the ingredients, nutritional benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to make this meal a healthier choice for you and your family. What exactly is in fried rice? · Precooked white rice · Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas,…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has cautioned farmers against early planting of crops to avoid drought, describing recent rainfall as ‘deceptive’. The Oyo State Meteorological Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Udoh gave the advice in Ibadan during a programme titled, ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State’. Udoh, while providing advisories to guide farmers in the coming season, said that the 2026 onset of rain, which determines the start of planting, begins from April 15 to the end of April. “The variable we look at is when the soil moisture content is up to 50%, which is enough for crops to use for nutrition…

Groundnut soup, sometimes called peanut soup, is one of Nigeria’s most loved traditional meals. Popular across the South-South and North, this creamy, rich, and highly-nourishing soup is made from blended groundnuts cooked with meat, fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s not just delicious, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense traditional soups you can make at home, packed with protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins that support energy, heart health, and overall wellness. If you’ve ever wondered what makes peanut soup special, how it’s made, or why nutrition experts praise the soup as a “superfood”, this guide is for you. What exactly is groundnut soup? Groundnut soup is…

Farmers and agribusiness owners looking to expand their operations can access financing through the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), a Federal Government initiative designed to improve credit flow to Nigeria’s agriculture sector. The scheme, managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, provides guarantees on agricultural loans issued by banks. By reducing the lending risk for financial institutions, the programme encourages more banks to extend credit to farmers and agribusinesses seeking capital to grow their operations. Through the initiative, farmers can secure loans to increase production, invest in equipment, expand farmland, or scale other aspects of their agricultural businesses. The programme forms part…

Eka soup may not be as globally-famous as egusi or ogbono, but for those who know it, this humble dish is pure comfort. Simple, nourishing, and deeply traditional, eka soup is a lesser-known Nigerian soup that highlights the beauty of local ingredients and slow, intentional cooking. Often prepared in rural communities and family homes, eka soup reflects a time when meals were built around what nature provided, fresh leaves, seeds, and minimal seasoning, yet still delivered rich flavour and nourishment. What is eka soup? Eka soup is a traditional Nigerian soup made primarily from eka leaves (locally sourced leafy vegetables), palm oil,…

The latest Selected Food Price Watch, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has indicated that food prices declined across key staples in January 2026, triggering mixed reactions among consumers, farmers and processors. Data from the statistics office showed that the average price of locally produced rice fell 10.94% year-on-year to ₦1,841.83 per kilogram, while brown beans plunged 48.65% to ₦1,262.43, onion and tomatoes also recorded annual declines of 17.87% and 5.25%, respectively, pointing to easing pressures in selected food categories. However, crayfish rose sharply by 39.07%, underscoring persistent volatility in protein prices. The report also highlighted sharp state and regional disparities, with…

The Abia State Government has advised farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices as the state is projected to experience above-normal rainfall in 2026. The warning follows the Seasonal Climate Prediction, released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. In a ‘2026 Climate Outlook and Farming Advisor’ issued, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, provided critical guidance to farmers across the state to ensure a productive farming season. According to NiMet, Abia State is expected to record annual rainfall between 1,800 millimeters and 2,200mm. The rainy season is forecast to begin between late March and early April and end between late October and…

Oha soup is one of the most cherished traditional soups in Eastern Nigeria. Rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this soup is more than just a meal, it is a cultural symbol of hospitality, celebration, and family gatherings. Known for its distinctive flavour and tender oha leaves, this soup is often served during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and important visits. What is oha soup? Oha soup is a traditional Nigerian soup native to the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is made using oha leaves, cocoyam paste as a thickener, palm oil, assorted meats, stockfish, and local spices. What makes oha soup unique is the…

The United Nations Development Programme and the Bank of Agriculture have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural financing architecture and launching a One Million Hectare Tree Crop Programme. The agreement, signed at the United Nations House in Abuja, also featured the symbolic handover of Information and Communication Technology equipment to strengthen BOA’s institutional capacity. Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. “Nigeria is in the middle of one of the most consequential reform cycles in decades”, she said. Citing foreign exchange reform, fuel subsidy removal, fiscal…

Coconut rice is one of those meals that feels both comforting and special at the same time. Rich, aromatic, and naturally creamy, this dish is loved across Nigeria for its irresistible flavour and simplicity. Whether cooked for family lunch, festive occasions, or as a comforting weekday meal, coconut rice stands out as a dish that turns everyday rice into something truly memorable. Beyond its delicious taste, coconut rice also offers nutritional benefits, especially when prepared with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. What is coconut rice? Coconut rice is a rice-based dish cooked in fresh coconut milk or coconut extract instead of plain water…