This August, Abuja will experience the colours, rhythms, and flavours of one of Nigeria’s most spectacular cultural celebration of Leboku, the Yakurr people’s rich and glamorous New Yam Festival. Date: Saturday, 30th August 2025Venue: Bolton White Marquee, 31 Kigoma Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja Traditionally held in Ugep, Cross River State, Leboku marks the end of the farming season and the start of a new harvest year. It is a vibrant display of Yakurr culture — with dances, wrestling, music, pageantry, and, of course, the ceremonial presentation of yams and other traditional delicacies.For the first time this year, the essence of this centuries-old tradition is being brought to the Federal Capital Territory, giving residents and visitors alike the rare opportunity to experience Leboku without making the long journey to Ugep.<h3> </h3>The Abuja edition promises to be a cultural feast. Expect:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Traditional Flows: Colourful processions and music that showcase the heartbeat of Yakurr heritage.</li><li data-list="bullet">Dance &amp; Culture: Ekoi drummers, masquerade parades, and captivating performances.</li><li data-list="bullet">Yakurr History on Display: Storytelling through costume, movement, and ceremony.</li><li data-list="bullet">Food Like No Other: A chance to taste rare and authentic Yakurr delicacies, from cassava-based dishes to the beloved Yedembong, prepared just as it is in the homeland.</li><li data-list="bullet">Meet and Greet: Meet and exchange pleasantries with dignitaries, torists or other indigenes</li></ol> <h3><a href="https://afripasspot.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AFRIPASSPOT </a>WILL BE THERE</h3> <a href="https://afripasspot.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Afripasspot </a>will be on the ground, capturing every flavour, every drumbeat, and every smile.Our coverage will pay special attention to rare delicacies — some of which you may never have seen before — and the vibrant culinary traditions that make Leboku a true cultural banquet. This is not just a festival; it’s an open invitation to taste history. <h3>WHY YOU CAN’T MISS IT</h3>Events like this don’t come around often. For those who have never travelled to Cross River State for the original Leboku, the Abuja edition is your perfect gateway to discover:<ol><li data-list="bullet">The soul of Yakurr culture</li><li data-list="bullet">The energy of traditional music and dance</li><li data-list="bullet">The irresistible charm of food made from recipes passed down for generations</li></ol>If you’ve been curious about Nigeria’s cultural diversity, this is your moment. <h3>SEE IT. TASTE IT. LIVE IT.</h3>Be there to witness history unfold, to savour rare dishes, and to dance to rhythms older than memory.And if you can’t attend in person, Afripasspot will ensure you can still see and feel it all through our exclusive video coverage across our platforms.

THE YAKURR NEW YAM FESTIVAL COMES TO THE ABUJA

<h3>Every year in August, the people of Ugep, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, come alive with the colours, rhythms, and traditions of Leboku which is a three weeks long grand yam festival that unites the community and attracts visitors from across the world.</h3><h3> </h3><h3>As an Ugep indigene, Clinton Ekoh, once put it,</h3><h3>“Leboku is to me, what the feast of Passover is to the Jews.”</h3><h3>Most Ugep indigenes agree with this sentiment. While many attend Leboku for the entertainment, the heart of the celebration runs much deeper—it’s about fulfilling a spiritual obligation, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening a union that generations will continue to uphold.</h3><h3> </h3><h3>The Ugep Leboku is particularly famous for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people. Tourists, traditionalists, and non-indigenes travel from near and far to participate. The festival is always a burst of energy, featuring activities such as wrestling matches, football competitions, traditional dances, masquerade parades, ancestral dishes exploration, and the iconic Mr &amp; Miss Leboku pageant.</h3><h3> </h3><h2>THE FULL BREAKDOWN OF LEBOKU ACTIVITIES</h2>Below is a detailed journey through the events of unmissabe experiences that make Leboku <h3>The Umor-Otutu Leboku, otherwise known as the Ugep New Yam Festival, is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant celebrations in Yakurr land, marking the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new harvest year. It usually opens with Etikekomi, a symbolic visitation to farm roads by the Obol Leboku and his entourage, where they are warmly received with palm wine and sundry gifts from farmers and well-wishers. This is followed by Leboku Kepili, which features spirited male and female wrestling matches alongside a male football competition, fostering unity, athleticism, and community pride.</h3><h3> </h3><h3>Afterwards comes Kipoli, a call for a town hall meeting by the Obol Lopon of Ugep, often held in the open to welcome everyone into the festival atmosphere, share updates on current happenings, and outline preceding Leboku activities. The town then engages in a large-scale environmental sanitation exercise, ensuring the community is clean and ready for the festivities ahead.</h3> <h3>Yet, at its core, Leboku is a thanksgiving event to Obase-Ubulukpabi, the supreme deity of the land. The festival opens with Ikobase Lebokwa, a thanksgiving service led by the Obol Lopon in council to seek peace, blessings, and a successful festival. This is followed by Ebokupom, the traditional opening of supplications and appeasements, accompanied by the symbolic breaking of firewood by the Obol Lopon. Next comes Mblemi, a day when farmers return with freshly harvested yams for public exhibition at the town square. On this day, Ekoi drums are dried in readiness for upcoming performances, gift exchanges between friends and family take place, and a symbolic midnight fire known as Okondael is lit to usher in warmth and unity.</h3> <h3>The following day is Janen-Boku (Women’s Day), dedicated to celebrating the girl child. Parents, family, and friends shower daughters with gifts and blessings, while various activities take place, including visits to tourist sites, traditional dances, and colourful carnival troupe displays. The highlight of the night is the glamorous Mr &amp; Miss Leboku contest, showcasing beauty, talent, and cultural pride.</h3> <h3>Next is Ledom-Boku (Men’s Day), set aside to celebrate male children and fathers. Gifts and blessings are poured on the menfolk, and the day features the spectacular Entangala Carnival Outing with the Obol Entangala and Etangala masquerade display, beating of the Ekoi drums, fireworks, and cannon blasts. The famous Ekoi dance by Yabol (chiefs) and maidens is performed, along with the parade of maidens, green leaf bearers (Ekoi Kangha), and the winners of the Mr &amp; Miss Leboku contest.</h3><h3> </h3><h3>The celebrations reach their official climax with the Lakurr-Boku, the Ugep International New Yam Festival, where the Obol Lopon hosts neighbouring communities, kings, and dignitaries at the Ugep Stadium in a grand display of unity and heritage. This is followed by Yekpi/Lobol, where young lads uproot trees in a demonstration of strength, and processions of maidens, young men, and pageant winners visit homes, displaying the beauty and rich cultural identity of the Ugep people.</h3><h3> </h3><h3>The festival concludes with Nponfawa, a final appeasement rite accompanied by the Odele Dance, in which trumpeters and drummers parade through the community. This closing ceremony symbolically ushers in a peaceful new planting season, leaving the people of Ugep united, blessed, and ready for another year of fruitful harvests.</h3> <h2>A QUICK SHORT SUMMARY OF THE LEBOKU ACTIVITIES</h2><h3> </h3><h3>Etikekomi – The Symbolic Farm Road Visit</h3>The festival begins with the Obol Lopon (paramount ruler) and his entourage visiting farm roads. They are warmly received with palm wine and gifts from farmers, symbolizing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.<h3>Leboku Kepili – Wrestling &amp; Football</h3>This stage features spirited male and female wrestling matches (Kepu) and competitive male football games, promoting community pride and togetherness.<h3>Kipoli – Town Hall Gathering</h3>The Obol Lopon calls for a public meeting to welcome all, share community updates, and prepare for the main Leboku activities. A large-scale environmental sanitation follows, cleaning the entire community.<h3>Ikobase Lebokwa – Thanksgiving Service</h3>A church service led by the Obol Lopon seeks peace, blessings, and protection for the community during the festival.<h3>Ebokupom – Opening Supplications &amp; Firewood Breaking</h3>A sacred ritual where the Obol Lopon breaks firewood, symbolizing readiness for the Okodél (Sacred Bonfire Night). Only those directly involved in the ritual may be outside.<h3>Mblemi – Return of the Farmers</h3>Farmers proudly display newly harvested yams in the town square. Ekoi drums are dried in preparation for upcoming dances. Friends and family exchange gifts, while Okondael (midnight fire) is lit to usher warmth and unity.<h3>Janen-Boku – Women’s Day</h3>Dedicated to celebrating women and the girl child, this day includes:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Gift presentations</li><li data-list="bullet">Visits to tourist sites</li></ol><h3>Ledom-Boku – Men’s Day</h3>Celebrates male children and fathers with blessings and gifts. Highlights include:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Ekoi drum beats and fireworks</li><li data-list="bullet">The famous Ekoi Dance performed by chiefs and maidens</li></ol><h3>Lakurr-Boku – The Grand Ugep International New Yam Festival</h3>Held at the Ugep Peace Stadium, this is the peak of Leboku. It welcomes kings, dignitaries, and neighbouring communities in a showcase of unity and heritage.<h3>Yekpi / Lobol – Strength &amp; Beauty Parade</h3>Young lads uproot trees to demonstrate strength, while maidens and pageant winners parade through the community.<h3>Ebonfawa – Cleansing of the Land (Final Rite)</h3>This last activity purifies the land after all festivities.<ol><li data-list="bullet">The paramount ruler dances around the four wards of Yakurr with all matrilineal chiefs.</li><li data-list="bullet">The Binah Chiefs, right-hand men to the Obol Lopon, join the procession.</li><li data-list="bullet">Different women’s groups like the Obin Women, Ekeledi Women, and Ebgizum people of Ikpakapit Ward display traditional dances.</li><li data-list="bullet">This ceremony symbolizes a spiritual reset for the new planting season.</li><li data-list="bullet">Traditional dances and colourful carnival parades</li></ol><h3>Symbolic Breaking of Firewood by the Obol Lopon (the king).</h3><h3>Mblemi, when farmers return to the town square with new yams</h3><h3>Okendel - Midnight Fire watch which marks the welcoming of the festival.</h3><h3>The glamorous Mr &amp; Miss Leboku Contest</h3><h3>Etangala Masquerade Parade brings even more excitement, with cultural dances, fireworks, and Ekoi drum performances.</h3><h3>Haa Lobo, an activity filled with chants of gratitude, prayers for healing, and blessings for prosperity.</h3><h3> </h3><h3>The festival culminates with the Ugep International New Yam Festival Day, when awards and gifts are given by the state government to winners of various contests. It closes with the Mponfawa (final appeasement) and the Odele dance, a celebration filled with trumpeters, drummers, and traditional dancers.</h3> <h2>FOOD &amp; FLAVOURS OF LEBOKU</h2>Leboku isn’t complete without traditional Yakurr delicacies:<ol><li data-list="bullet"><a href="https://afripasspot.com/recipes/dish/68964b2d813fa0ce9542670f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Akara Kebojen</a>: A Cassava dish of mini cassava cakes with a special bean sauce</li><li data-list="bullet">Yedembong – a highly celebrated local meal of Afang leaves and a special pepper sauce with extras like garden eggs, fish, bitter kolas and cow skin or kpomo</li></ol> <h2>WHY LEBOKU MATTERS</h2>Beyond its entertainment value, Leboku is a cultural pillar—an identity, a prayer, and a gathering of unity for the Yakurr people and the Ugep village which happens to be the largest village in West Africa. It’s a living heritage that has survived centuries and continues to thrive. P.S. For those who can’t make the journey to Ugep, there’s good news—<a href="https://afripasspot.com/articles/the_yakurr_new_yam_festival_comes_to_the_abuja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leboku is also celebrated in Abuja</a>! In this <a href="https://afripasspot.com/articles/the_yakurr_new_yam_festival_comes_to_the_abuja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">article</a>, we’ll take you through how the spirit of Leboku is brought to the nation’s capital of Nigeria. 🎥 Experience Leboku in MotionWords can only do so much—watch the full vibrance of Leboku on:<ol><li data-list="bullet"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@afripasspot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li><li data-list="bullet"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/afripasspot/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li data-list="bullet"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@afripasspot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a></li></ol>

LEBOKU THE YAM FESTIVAL OF UGEP

When it comes to achieving radiant, clear skin, what you eat is just as important as the products you apply. A glowing complexion starts from within, and certain foods are packed with nutrients that can help reduce inflammation, boost collagen, balance hormones, and protect against breakouts. Below is a categorized guide to skin-friendly foods that nourish your body and reveal your best skin yet. A good skin can come from eating foods rich in vitamin C, collagen-boosting nutrients, biotin, beta-carotene, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, low glycemic index nutrients, hydrating nutrients, and antioxidants. These nutrients work together to support skin repair, reduce inflammation, maintain moisture, and protect against signs of aging. Lets walk through the type of foods we mean. <h3>1. Vitamin C-Rich Foods</h3>Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps with collagen production and protects the skin from environmental stressors.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Oranges – Bursting with vitamin C, they support skin elasticity.</li><li data-list="bullet">Bell Peppers – Red and yellow varieties contain more vitamin C than oranges.</li><li data-list="bullet">Pineapple – Contains bromelain which also helps reduce inflammation.</li><li data-list="bullet">Kiwi – A vitamin C powerhouse for skin repair and rejuvenation.</li></ol><h3>2. Collagen-Boosting Foods</h3>Collagen is the protein that gives skin its structure. As we age, collagen production declines, but these foods can help replenish it.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Eggs – Contain proline, an amino acid essential for collagen synthesis.</li><li data-list="bullet">Broccoli – Rich in vitamins C and K, essential for collagen and skin resilience.</li><li data-list="bullet">Tomatoes – Contain lycopene and vitamin C to help build collagen.</li><li data-list="bullet">Bone Broth – One of the best sources of natural collagen.</li></ol><h3>3. Biotin-Rich Foods</h3>Biotin (vitamin B7) supports healthy skin, hair, and nails. A deficiency may lead to dry skin and rashes.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Egg Yolks – A biotin-rich superfood for skin renewal.</li><li data-list="bullet">Mushrooms – Provide a plant-based source of biotin.</li><li data-list="bullet">Sweet Potatoes – High in both biotin and beta-carotene.</li><li data-list="bullet">Beef Liver – One of the richest natural sources of biotin.</li></ol><h3>4. Foods Rich in Beta-Carotene</h3>Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in the body, which helps protect the skin from sun damage and supports cell turnover.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Butternut Squash – Helps keep skin smooth and supple.</li><li data-list="bullet">Carrots – A go-to snack that supports a healthy glow.</li><li data-list="bullet">Apricots – A sweet source of skin-loving beta-carotene.</li><li data-list="bullet">Sweet Potatoes – Double-duty with beta-carotene and biotin.</li></ol><h3>5. Selenium-Rich Foods</h3>Selenium protects the skin from oxidative stress and plays a key role in skin elasticity.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Brazil Nuts – Just one or two a day meets your daily selenium needs.</li><li data-list="bullet">Turkey – A lean protein source that supports skin repair.</li><li data-list="bullet">Sunflower Seeds – Also rich in vitamin E for skin hydration.</li><li data-list="bullet">Tuna – A selenium-packed fish that also contains omega-3s.</li></ol><h3>6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids</h3>Omega-3s reduce inflammation and keep skin supple and moisturized.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Avocados – Rich in both healthy fats and skin-healing vitamin E.</li><li data-list="bullet">Salmon – A top source of omega-3s and astaxanthin, a skin-protective antioxidant.</li><li data-list="bullet">Sardines – These small fish pack a powerful punch for your skin.</li><li data-list="bullet">Walnuts – Contain both omega-3s and zinc.</li></ol><h3>7. Probiotic-Rich Foods</h3>Gut health is closely linked to skin health. A balanced microbiome can reduce acne and eczema flare-ups.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Sauerkraut – Fermented cabbage rich in probiotics and fiber.</li><li data-list="bullet">Yogurt – Contains live cultures that balance gut and skin health.</li><li data-list="bullet">Kombucha – A fizzy drink full of good bacteria.</li><li data-list="bullet">Kimchi – Spicy and fermented, it supports digestive and skin clarity.</li></ol><h3>8. Low Glycemic Foods</h3>High-glycemic foods spike insulin levels, which can worsen acne. Low-GI foods help stabilize blood sugar and hormone levels.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Almonds – Full of healthy fats, vitamin E, and low on the glycemic index.</li><li data-list="bullet">Spinach – A leafy green that hydrates and detoxifies.</li><li data-list="bullet">Lentils – Provide fiber and protein without spiking blood sugar.</li><li data-list="bullet">Zucchini – Light, low-calorie, and hydrating.</li></ol><h3>9. Hydrating Foods</h3>Hydration is crucial for plump, dewy skin. In addition to drinking water, these foods help hydrate from within.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Cantaloupe – High water content and vitamin A.</li><li data-list="bullet">Cabbage – Also rich in vitamin C for elasticity.</li><li data-list="bullet">Watermelon – Contains lycopene and plenty of hydration.</li><li data-list="bullet">Cucumber – Mostly water, with added silica for skin health.</li></ol><h3>10. Foods Rich in Antioxidants</h3>Antioxidants combat free radicals, prevent premature aging, and promote healing.<ol><li data-list="bullet">Blueberries – Packed with anthocyanins for skin protection.</li><li data-list="bullet">Swiss Chard – A lesser-known green loaded with antioxidants.</li><li data-list="bullet">Raspberries – Their vibrant color equals high antioxidant power.</li><li data-list="bullet">Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and healing from the inside out.</li></ol> <h3>Conclusion</h3> Clear skin is not just about what you avoid—it’s also about what you add. Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your daily meals can support clearer, healthier skin over time. Remember, consistency is key. Pair these skin-loving foods with a balanced lifestyle and good skincare habits, and you’ll be glowing from the inside out.

10 Set Of Foods That Promotes Clear Skin

Seriously — most people outside the African continent have no idea what real yam is.Ask someone in Europe or North America about yam, and they’ll probably point you to a sweet, orange root vegetable — which is actually a sweet potato. That’s not yam.In Africa, yam is something else entirely. It’s a starchy, rugged tuber with brown, bark-like skin and dense white, yellow, or even purple flesh. And in many African homes, yam isn’t just food — it’s culture, it’s tradition, it’s celebration.<h3>So, What is Yam — Really?</h3>Yam (botanically from the Dioscorea species) is one of the oldest cultivated crops in West Africa. Long before rice or cassava took over the global plate, yam was already thriving in African soil.It’s huge — literally. One tuber can weigh over 10kg. It’s rough, tough to peel, and honestly doesn’t look Instagram-pretty — but once you cook it? Magic.Yam can be:<ol><li data-list="bullet">Boiled and eaten with sauce</li><li data-list="bullet">Fried into golden slices (dundun)</li><li data-list="bullet">Mashed into stretchy pounded yam and paired with rich soups</li><li data-list="bullet">Turned into porridge (Asaro)</li><li data-list="bullet">Processed into flour (elubo) for making amala</li></ol>It’s versatile, filling, and always satisfying.<h3>Where Did It Come From?</h3>Yam originated in the humid tropics of West Africa — especially around Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. This area is often called the Yam Belt. Nigeria, in fact, produces over 65% of the world’s yams. Yes, you read that right — 65%!Yam is such a big deal that entire festivals are held just to celebrate its harvest. In southeastern Nigeria, the New Yam Festival (Iri ji) is a cultural highlight — marked with dancing, music, feasting, and ancestral offerings. In some communities, you literally can’t eat the new yam harvest until after the festival.<h3>Yam vs. Sweet Potato — Not the Same Thing</h3>Let’s settle it once and for all: the soft, orange “yams” in most Western grocery stores are not yams. They’re sweet potatoes — unrelated and completely different.Real yam is drier, starchier, and often needs a proper African dish to show off its glory. It doesn’t caramelize like sweet potato. It holds firm, absorbs stew, and fills you up the way only a hearty root crop can.<h3>Nutritional Benefits? Oh Yes.</h3>Yam is packed with complex carbs, potassium, fiber, and B vitamins. It gives long-lasting energy, supports digestion, and is naturally gluten-free. It’s also low in sugar — making it diabetic-friendly when eaten in moderation.<h3>Why the World Needs to Know About Yam</h3>There’s a world of food out there beyond quinoa and kale. African yam has been sustaining generations for thousands of years — yet many still confuse it with something else.It's time to spotlight this humble, powerful root crop. It’s time the world tasted real yam — from the streets of Lagos to your kitchen.If you haven’t tried it, find a West African market near you, grab a few tubers, and let your taste buds explore one of Africa’s most iconic ingredients.

Most Foreigners Don’t Know What Real Yam Is

A hearty cassava delicacy made from finely ground, pressed cassava shafts, enriched with the deep, earthy flavor of red palm oil and seasoned with salt, aromatic spices, and a touch of pepper for gentle heat. Traditionally paired with a specially cooked beans porridge, yet equally enjoyable on its own, this comforting dish offers a satisfying blend of creamy, crispy, and baked textures with a rich, natural taste—perfect as a standalone treat or alongside your favorite sides.

Akara kebojen

Yadom Blon is a flavorful native mini buffet of specific inclusions from the Ugep people of Cross River State, Nigeria. Yadom Blon is often served at traditional gatherings, family meetings, or as a special snack among elders. It's eaten by hand and enjoyed for its rich, native taste and communal value. It’s made by creating a mix of roasted small cut ogbonno seeds or groundnut, red palm oil, fresh red pepper and onions, and salt, resulting in a thick, red, smoky, and spicy paste, and this sauce is enjoyed by a set of fresh green afang leaves which is nicely arranged by hand of the eater to fetch the sauce into the mouth without the help of a spoon and the same can be done with the cow skin and garden eggs.

Yamormor blong

This chicken tortilla wrap is a soft, tasty roll filled with well-seasoned shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce, all wrapped in a warm, light flatbread. It’s like shawarma, but lighter and easier to enjoy anytime—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick bite on the go. You can spice it up Naija-style with suya pepper or add a little heat with pepper sauce. Healthy, filling, and delicious! So while not a traditional Nigerian dish, the Nigerian version of the chicken wrap is a modern fusion, reflecting global influence with local flavor. Tortilla wraps originated in Mexico, but the "chicken wrap" concept gained global popularity through American-style fast food. In Nigeria, local chefs and food vendors began adapting the wrap by incorporating Nigerian flavors—like suya-spiced chicken, peppered sauce, or Nigerian-style coleslaw. This fusion approach became popular in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt around 2010–2015, especially in cafés, lounges, and food trucks.

Chicken Wrap

Chicken wrap

Sometimes, you just need a quick snack to keep you sane — and that’s where coconut chips step in. Light, crispy, and naturally sweet, they’re the kind of snack you reach for when the cravings hit hard but you don’t want to go down the junk food rabbit hole.They're perfect on their own — straight out of the pack when you're binge-watching, running errands, or need a quick desk drawer treat. But don’t stop there. Sprinkle them over creamy yogurt, toss them on ice cream, or add a little crunch to your smoothie bowls for that tropical twist. They’re simple, real, and satisfying — like your favorite comfort snack but with a feel-good vibe.

Coconut Chips

Coconut chips

Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a delicious, flourless twist on crepes — African style! These Zero-Flour Plantain Crepes are soft, nutrient-dense, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast, light lunch, or wholesome snack, this recipe fits right in. And the best part? It’s just two base ingredients and entirely customizable!👉 Watch the full preparation on Instagram or TikTok @Afripasspot.

Zero-Flour Plantain Crepes

Zero flour plantain crepes

Abacha, also known as African Salad, is a beloved traditional delicacy from Eastern Nigeria made from shredded cassava. This colorful and richly flavored dish is a perfect blend of texture and taste — combining crunchy cassava with richly spiced palm oil, fermented oil bean (upaka), bold seasonings, and aromatic Ehuru (African nutmeg). It's often paired with fried fish, garden egg, fresh pepper, and onions, then garnished with garden leaves for a refreshing finish. Enjoyed warm or cold, Abacha is both nourishing and satisfying.View ingredients and steps below.

Abacha

Enugu Abacha

Yam Pottage is a warm, hearty one-pot delight made with tender chunks of yam simmered in a rich blend of palm oil, meat stock, assorted proteins, and aromatic spices. Infused with the savory depth of crayfish, chopped onions, fresh pepper, and seasoning cubes, each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavor and comfort. As the yams soften and melt slightly into the sauce, they create a naturally thick, luscious texture. Topped off with fresh green vegetables like pumpkin leaves or spinach, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying — a true taste of home, tradition, and love in every spoonful. Read more below to discover the incredients and steps to prepare

Red Oil Yam Porridge

Red oil yam porridge

Klaklo — lovingly known as Banana Fries or Fritters — is a cherished street snack across Benin Republic, Accra, Cameroun, Togo 🇹🇬, Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮, and many parts of West Africa. These golden, crispy treats are made from ripe bananas, perfectly balancing natural sweetness with just a touch of salt.Now, listen — my mom warned me not to trust everything I see on the internet, but did I listen? Nope. I tried frying them in palm oil like y’all suggested. Not gonna lie, it wasn’t bad… but using other vegetable oil is still a win! Find the recipe and steps below<h3>Variations:</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet">You can use different types of cassava flour for any of the recipes or fresh cassava itself.</li><li data-list="bullet">If you prefer to not use cassava, try corn flour instead of all-purpose flour for a different texture.</li><li data-list="bullet">Use plantains instead of bananas for a deeper, richer flavor.</li></ol>

Kloklo - Mashed Banana Fries or Fritters

Kloklo

Accra banana

Cameroun Banana

Egusi Soup, also known as Melon Soup, Efo Elegusi, Ofe Egusi, or Miyan Gushi, is a savory masterpiece from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, with culinary roots tracing back as far as 1000 BC. Rich, thick, and delightfully nutty, this traditional dish is crafted from finely ground melon seeds and simmered to perfection with bold African spices. Its unmistakable flavor is deep, comforting, and aromatic—making it a beloved staple across generations. Majority of those who have shared a taste experience agree that Egusi Soup delivers a deeply satisfying feeling that nourishes both body and soul. Scroll below to explore the full recipe and recreate this timeless classic in your own kitchen.

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This is not just a festival; it’s an open invitation to taste history. Abuja will experience the colours, rhythms, and flavours of one of Nigeria’s most spectacular cultural celebration of Leboku