Hardship: Nigerians shun bread for alternative breakfast

A cross section of Nigerians in the FCT and environs, on Wednesday said they had to be more creative to enable them feed their families.

The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Abuja that the economic downturn had forced them to look for alternatives for breakfast.

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According to them, Nigerians are now forced to think outside the box, opting for affordable and innovative options to kick-start their mornings.

Mrs Favour James, a mother of five, said she had resorted to making `Tom Brown,’ a mixture of soya beans, millet, and groundnut, to start her family’s day.

“We cannot afford tea now, so we now make use of an alternative called “Tom Brown.”

“I make this myself; it is made of Soya beans, millet and groundnut. I fry and grind it, add sugar and then use in place of tea for breakfast,” she said.

Jame, who said she had been struggling to make ends meet, noted that `Tom brown’ was a game-changer for her family.

“It’s cheaper, lasts longer, and is healthier than the usual tea and bread. We’re coping, but it’s not easy,” she said.

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Another citizen, Abraham Johnson, lamented that the economy had forced him to create an alternative for his breakfast.

“I never thought I will be making my own Milo substitute, but here we are. Though it is not the same, but can replace breakfast.

“I process my own Milo using cocoa. I also use soya bean powder as a substitute for tea,’’ he said.

Johnson stated that the price of a proper meal had tripled, so he had to make do with whatever he could afford for his family.

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“Breakfasts are now becoming expensive; getting good bread is above N1,000. So I just have to say that breakfast is not what it used to be,’’ he said.

Also, Babalola Sule, a chef, revealed that he now opts for his leftovers from dinner for breakfast.

“I cook food in bulk and store leftovers for subsequent breakfasts because, with the price of beverages now, one cannot afford a proper breakfast.”

“Most times, I prepare simple and affordable breakfasts because things have gone extremely high,” he said.

Sule said that Nigerians are resilient and resourceful, finding ways to start their day with a decent meal, in spite of the situation.

“These alternatives may not be what we’re used to, but they’re better than going hungry. We’re adapting, and that’s the Nigerian spirit,” he said.

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Mrs Ann Oriba, a businesswoman, noted that pap made from corn had become a `go-to breakfast’ option.

“The alternative I use for breakfast is pap, my mum farms corn and beans, so it makes pap for breakfast easier.

“It’s amazing how something as simple as breakfast can become a luxury, but we’re making do with what we have. Pap is filling and nutritious, and it’s become our new normal,” she added.