Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, has declared Nigerian jollof rice the best while hosting Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a state banquet in the United Kingdom.
The royal banquet formed part of high-level engagements during President Tinubu’s historic two-day visit to the UK—the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades.
Speaking during the event, King Charles made a light-hearted reference to the long-standing jollof rice debate across West Africa, recalling a recent cultural gathering 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!” he said, drawing laughter from guests.
Beyond the humour, the monarch commended Nigerians living in the UK for their significant contributions to British society. He described them as “quiet heroes” making impacts across sectors such as business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts.
“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,” he noted.
King Charles also highlighted the growing influence of Nigerian culture in Britain, pointing to the global popularity of Afrobeats music, the success of Nollywood films, and the achievements of Nigerians in the English Premier League and the legal profession.
“From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria,” he added.
In a symbolic gesture, the monarch greeted the Nigerian delegation in Yoruba, saying, “Ẹ káàbọ̀, ṣé dáadáa ni?”—meaning, “Welcome, how are you?”
He also extended goodwill to Muslims in both countries, wishing them Eid Mubarak, before rounding off his speech with a popular Nigerian phrase, “Naija no dey carry last,” as he raised a toast to the president and people of Nigeria.