Nigerian Stories: National Cake, Personal Person & Six-To-Six By Ugochukwu Kosisochukwu
NATIONAL CAKE
The Christmas season was special to me as a child because of the innumerable events I experienced ranging from the homecoming of family members in diaspora to the gifts and delicious delicacies. Some moments that stood out and formed the basis of my childhood memory included how we chorused the popular “share the national moi-moi, divide the national cake” as mother brought forth the meal, the discussions that came afterwards on how the national cake was not equally and equitably distributed in the country while eating out of the same tray on Christmas afternoon with my cousins as one family.
PERSONAL PERSON
Uncle Dili was my father’s colleague at work and was notorious for his unsolicited frequent visits. Notwithstanding, we accommodated him cheerfully on each visit, served him food and he would joyfully exclaim each time that we were special to him, that he loved my family and that mother was his personal person. Well, it took me three months of Uncle Dili’s absence after mother’s death to understand that he never meant all he said and even if he did, it was solely because of the meals he graciously received. Mother was his personal person only because of her culinary skills.
SIX TO SIX
I missed home instantly when I was not served food upon arrival to my Aunt’s home and after a stressful journey because the household was on a six to six fast that month. I do not know all that is expected of one when told to “feel at home” but to me it entails having good food in good quantity and in due time too. Although I defied the fast from time to time, I had to adjust because I could not go back home without achieving my aim for coming to town but I never felt at home there.
These stories by Ugochukwu Kosisochukwu emerged as a winning entry (top 3) in the 2023 Tracy’s Kitchen And Caterers Creative Story Writing Competition organised by PositiveNaija.
Ugochukwu Kosisochukwu Judith
I am Ugochukwu Kosisochukwu, a Christian Medic and a personal development enthusiast.
