HOMECOMING

As the year approach its end, the anticipation of the festive season brings with it a flood of memories and a longing for the comfort of home. During the hustle and bustle of city life, the thought of returning to Akwa Ibom State brings a sense of peace. As I plan my journey back to celebrate the season with family and friends, the rich and diverse delicacies awaiting acts as an irresistible force behind this homeward journey.

Akwa Ibom, my home, is renowned for its culinary treasures that reflect the vibrant culture. A perfect example of our cooking greatness could be seen in the story Hilda Baci, who was crowned with a Guinness Record of recent before being stripped off it by her Irish counterpart.  The festivities that await are not only a reunion with loved ones but a journey through the heart and soul of the state. As I bid farewell to the academic demands of Lagos Business School, the prospect of indulging in the flavours that define my state becomes a sweet promise, a celebration of the unique delicacies that have shaped my palate and identity.

The aroma of “Afang Soup” simmering the air, thick with the essence of wild spinach and waterleaf, is a welcoming embrace, a reminder that I am back where I belong. The communal ritual of preparing Afang Soup becomes a testament to the strong social bonds that characterize Akwa Ibom’s close-knit communities. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of shared experiences, a connection to my roots.

“Edikang Ikong,” a harmonious blend of fluted pumpkin leaves and waterleaf, beckons with memories of family gatherings and the laughter that echoes through the dining room. As the countdown to the journey home progresses, the thought of savouring this vegetable soup becomes a source of comfort, a taste of familiarity in a world of constant change.

The iconic “Ekpang Nkukwo,” prepared from cocoyam and water yam wrapped in tender leaves, symbolizes the resourcefulness and creativity that define our kitchen. It’s a dish that encapsulates the warmth of family, a reminder that the heart of Akwa Ibom beats not just in its landscapes but in the kitchens that produce culinary masterpieces. Though it takes long in preparing but sitting with family while molding it makes time to fly.  

In these dishes, I find not just sustenance but a connection to my heritage, a celebration of the flavours that define Akwa Ibom as my culinary paradise. From the lush greenery of Afang Soup to the hearty embrace of Ekpang Nkukwo, each bite is a journey through time, a taste of home that transcends the boundaries of geography. In our kitchen, meals are not just recipes; they are the threads that weave the fabric of our identity. As we share these among friends and family, while telling folklores and catching up on the happenings of recent past, the memories are imbibed deeply. These moments live with us forever and truly, the saying that home is where the heart is reign supreme.