Today is World Food Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the importance of food and its role in connecting people across cultures.

For Nigerians, no meal captures that connection better than rice. Whether it’s jollof, fried, coconut, or rice served with stew, rice has earned its place as the country’s most loved and most consumed food.

In many homes, rice is more than a meal; it’s a routine. No party feels right without the great smoky party jollof.

From birthdays to weddings, housewarmings to naming ceremonies, rice is the one dish that always makes the guest list. It’s the comfort food we turn to when we’re unsure what to eat, and the special treat that unites everyone, regardless of tribe or language.

What makes rice truly special is the creativity Nigerians have brought to it. There’s jollof rice, of course, the country’s unofficial national dish, but there’s also fried rice, coconut rice with its rich, creamy flavour, and concoction rice that turns whatever is available in the kitchen into a satisfying meal.

In some homes, rice and beans are cooked together with palm oil; in others, rice is served with pepper soup, sauce, or even egusi. Each version tells its own story about taste, tradition, and adaptation.

Beyond being delicious, rice reflects the resourcefulness of Nigerians. Even as prices rise and food becomes more expensive, rice remains on our tables. People find ways to stretch it, adding vegetables, beans, or small bits of meat and fish — proving that creativity in the kitchen is one thing we never run out of.

As the world marks World Food Day, celebrating access, sustainability, and nourishment, Nigeria’s enduring love for rice serves as a poignant reminder that food is not just about survival. It’s about identity, togetherness, and comfort.