King Charles III says he has been assured that Nigerian jollof is the best on the African continent.
The monarch spoke while delivering a speech at the state banquet hosted in honour of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.
Tinubu is currently in the United Kingdom on a historic two-day state visit.
Jollof is a spicy West African dish made by cooking rice in tomato, onion, and pepper sauce — with thyme and curry powder as seasoning. It is served at celebrations and parties with meat, fried plantains, or salad.
King Charles praised Nigerians residing in the UK for their contributions to British society.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, and the arts,” he said.
King Charles said he has encountered many Nigerians who are contributing significantly across key institutions in the country.
The monarch added that he recently hosted a group of Nigerians at St James’s Palace.
“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last fifty years,” he said.
“Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!”
Earlier, King Charles set aside royal protocol by greeting Tinubu and the Nigerian delegation in Yoruba.
“Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni,” King Charles said to the 160 guests in Yoruba, which translates to “Welcome, how are you doing?”
Proposing a toast during the banquet, King Charles said: “I can only wish you and the millions of Muslims in our countries Eid Mubarak. Let me propose a toast to the president and people of Nigeria. Naija no dey carry last.”
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