Open Letter to Hilda Baci – by Frank Ofili

Dear Hilda Baci

Congratulations on your achievement of the unprecedented feat of cooking the biggest pot of Jollof Rice ever. With this feat, I believe you have now put paid to the Jollof argument between Nigeria and Ghana.

The feat also reminds the world of the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerians. Clearly, you have put Nigeria on the global culinary map once again.

However, while congratulations and a pat on the back are in order, I cannot but advise that now that you have attracted global attention, perhaps you should think in the direction of channeling your culinary skill into a worthy cause as your contribution to the overall national effort to reposition our country.

I am talking about taking up the challenge of cooking for displaced people in IDP camps in the north-east, or those affected by Benue crisis or Mokwa flood disaster.

You may also consider cooking for inmates in any of our correctional facilities of your choice. Who knows, you might come off inspiring some young people who want to walk in your footsteps.

I do not know whether I am competent to give you this suggestion, or whether indeed it is of any interest to you, but I believe it will be more meaningful to humanity instead of just doing it for media show. I dare say it will also attract more global support and attention. Taken a nudge further, it might even put you on the road to becoming the Malala Yousafzai of Africa.

Please think about it.