EXTRA: ‘Nigerian jollof is the best’ — King Charles hails Naija spirit at Tinubu banquet

King Charles III has said he was “firmly assured” that Nigerian jollof rice is the best on the African continent.

The monarch made the remark while speaking at a state banquet held in honour of Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, during the president’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

Jollof rice, a popular West African dish, is prepared with rice cooked in a rich tomato, pepper and onion sauce, often seasoned with spices and served with meat, fried plantain or salad.

In his speech, King Charles also praised Nigerians living in the UK for their contributions across various sectors, including business, technology, academia, law, science, sports and the arts.

“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage… are now at the heart of British life,” he said.

The monarch noted that he has encountered many Nigerians making meaningful contributions to British institutions, including schools, businesses, universities and the National Health Service.

He added that he recently hosted a group of Nigerians at St James’s Palace for what he described as a lively “Jollof and Tea” gathering.

“I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!” he joked.

In a symbolic gesture, King Charles also greeted Tinubu and the Nigerian delegation in Yoruba, saying, “Ẹ káàbọ̀, ṣe dáadáa ni,” meaning “Welcome, how are you?”

Raising a toast, he extended goodwill to Muslims observing Eid al-Fitr and concluded with a nod to Nigerian slang: “Naija no dey carry last.”