Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, has sparked excitement and pride among Nigerians after praising Nigerian jollof rice as the standout version of the beloved West African dish during a state banquet in honour of Bola Tinubu.
The remarks were made at a high-profile dinner held at Windsor Castle, part of President Tinubu’s historic two-day visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly 40 years.
In a lighthearted moment, King Charles recounted hosting a recent “Jollof and Tea” gathering, where guests passionately debated the best version of the iconic dish.
While he jokingly acknowledged rival claims from Ghana and Senegal, he hinted strongly at Nigeria’s dominance, drawing laughter and applause from attendees.
Beyond the humour, the monarch used the occasion to commend Nigerians living in Britain, describing them as “quiet heroes” whose contributions have significantly shaped British society.
He highlighted their impact across sectors including business, technology, healthcare, education, law, and the arts.
King Charles also pointed to the growing influence of Nigerian culture in the UK, from the global rise of Afrobeats music to the expanding reach of Nollywood films, as well as the achievements of Nigerian talents in top-tier football and professional fields.
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In a symbolic gesture that resonated with the Nigerian delegation, the King greeted guests in Yoruba, offering a warm welcome that underscored cultural respect and connection.
He concluded by extending goodwill to Muslim communities in both nations ahead of Eid celebrations and raised a toast to Nigeria, ending with a popular phrase that drew enthusiastic reactions: “Naija no dey carry last.”
The event not only reinforced diplomatic ties but also highlighted the deep cultural and social connections between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
