- Filmmaker Onyeka Nwelue sparked controversy after saying Nigerians are “cooking rice while other countries are winning Nobel Prizes,” a remark widely seen as a jab at recent food-related record attempts like Hilda Baci’s.
- His statement drew mixed reactions with some agreeing Nigeria prioritizes the wrong achievements, while others defended cultural feats as valuable forms of recognition.
Nigerian filmmaker and writer Onyeka Nwelue has stirred debate online after criticizing the country’s priorities, contrasting Nigeria’s fascination with food records against global intellectual achievements.
Criticism of National Priorities
In a post shared on social media, Nwelue said Nigerians seem more concerned with cooking competitions and food-related stunts than pursuing groundbreaking innovations or academic milestones.
“Nigerians are busy cooking rice while people in other countries are winning Nobel Prizes,” he wrote.
The comment appeared to reference recent high-profile food challenges, including chef Hilda Baci’s record-breaking cookathon and her latest attempt at the largest pot of jollof rice.
Mixed Reactions Online
Nwelue’s remark sparked heated reactions. Supporters agreed with his criticism, noting Nigeria’s lag in science, research, and global innovation rankings. Others defended the culinary feats, arguing that celebrating food culture is equally valuable and provides international visibility.
Some commentators accused Nwelue of dismissing Nigeria’s unique achievements and undermining the role of arts, culture, and entertainment in nation-building.
