FOOD: Mangoes and Agbalumos

Sigh.

Do you know what's in the picture above? It's heaven.

In my humble opinion, there are few things that compare to the perfection of fruits. Nature's candy is diverse in flavor and texture.

Yum : )

My mom knows how much I love fruits so she picked a bunch of mangoes and she bought a bag of agbalumos (all the cherimoyas were gone from the tree by the time I flew in unfortunately).

Mom, you're the best!!!!

What is an agbalumo?

I wish I had a link to send you guys but there aren't any websites that seem to really know what kind of fruit it is. It's referred to as a white star apple but that's a completely different fruit.

Maybe it's in the same fruit family...

Anyway, it's nature's equivalent to a Sour Punch.



After making love to my mango, I split the agbalumo open. The white part of the fruit is usually sweet and covers the seeds which are not edible.



I like to scoop each seed out (there are usually four to five in each fruit), pop them in my mouth and kind of suck the white part off.


The seed.

This orange part of the fruit is where the sour punch reference comes in. The white flesh is sweet while the orange part of the fruit is squint your eyes sour.

After picking the flesh clean off the skin (hehe, I'm a cannibal), I'm done. I recommend everyone try agbalumos and cherimoyas at least once. You won't regret it and it won't give you malaria, promise.

: )

Progress

While I was out with my parents, this sticker caught my eye. Now, it could just be my ignorance but I was surprised - and pleased - to discover organizations that focus on rights for women existed in Nigeria.

It turn's out, there's quite a few of them. I'm looking forward to researching the organizations listed below (courtesy of this website).

It may just be a sticker but it means a lot.

Africa Harvest Mission
Box 514 Nkwogwu
Imo State
Nigeria
Tel: 234-1-681449
Fax: 234-1-685255


Association Of Women Librarians In Nigeria
P.O. Box 332
Yenago, Elsa State
Nigeria
084 335923


Center for Adolescent Research Education and Sexuality (CARES)
28 Ginuwa Road, P.O.BOX 4223
Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Phone: 234-53-251549
Fax: 234-1-2600600 Ext. 2719
Email: caresyouth@hotmail.com or bofa@chevron.com
Non-profit NGO with focus on Adolescent Reproductive health, Women Issues especially in the area of FGM, abortion and STD/HIV/AIDS prevention.


Centre For Citizens' Emancipation And Empowerment
C/O Royal Chambers
Daily Times Building
Ahmadu Bello Way
P.O.Box 9077
Kaduna, Nigeria
Formed in year 2002 to promote the emancipation of women especially those in Pudah in the Northern states and to offer legal assistance to the underprivileged in the society.


Centre For Women's Research And Development
No.56, TBS Complex
Race Course
Lagos, Nigeria
Email: frieti@consultant.com
Tel: 234-8023102779
Telefax: 234-1-2645043
We are in the forefront for the propagation for the upliftment of the status of women, fighting against harmful traditional pra ctices against woment, and also have vocational training centres for the less privileged women were skill are acquired after which micro credit facilities are given to establish small businesses.


Coalition Of Nigerian NGOs On Health, Population And Development (CONNOHPD)
1, Lkorodu Rd., Maryland, PMB 21178
Ikeja
Nigeria
Tel: (234 1) 493 7937
Fax: (234 1) 4937937/4960811


Country Women Association Of Nigeria (COWAN)
NO. 2 Afunbiowo Street, PMB 809
Akure, Ondo State
Nigeria
Tel: 234 34 231945
Fax: (011 234-34) 231633


Eminent council for Charitable and Humnitarian affairs
P.o. box 171 ede, osun State, Nigeria.
Web site: http://www.eccha.jeeran.com


Empowerment And Action Research Centre (EMPARC)
1 Wegbo Street (off 56, Iwaya Road)
Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: 864656
Fax: 860931


Federation Of Muslim Women's Association In Nigeria (FOMWAN)
22 Ahmad Talib Road, Kongo Campus
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Nigeria
069 32096
234-62-238278


Federation of Muslim Women's Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN)
c/o Islamic Education Trust, 105
Tokunbo Street
P.O.Box 637 Lagos
Nigeria


Federation of Ogoni Women's Association (FOWA)
Ogoni, Nigeria.
Umbrella group for all women's group in the Ogoni region.


Gender and Development Network
c/o Dr. Iyabo Olojede
Dept. of Political Science
Lagos State University
P. M. B. 1087
Apapa, Lagos
Nigeria


Gender Equity Action Planners (GEAP)
c/o Dr (Mrs) Stella Effah-Attoe,
Department of History,
University of Calabar,
Calabar,
Cross River State
Nigeria
Tel : 00-234-87-234741.
E-mail: star@unical.anpa.net.ng


Girl Guides and Business & Professional Women
P.O.Box 1625 Ibadan, Oyo State
Nigeria


Grassroots Health Organization Of Nigeria (GHON)
POB 4704, NO. 3, Abdu Sambo St.
Albasa Rail Line, Kano
Nigeria
Tel: (064) 662519
Fax: (064) 669223


International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
Anambra / Enugu zone.
No 9 Second Ave Independence Layout
PO Box 1686, Enugu,
Enugu State Nigeria.


Intl. Fund For National Directorate Of Employment/Better Life Informal Coop Sector Education Scheme
C/O Justice Alfa Belgores Chambers
Supreme Court of Nigeria
Tafawa Belewa Square, Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (234 1) 2635930
Fax: (234 1) 2635426


International Reproductive Rights Research Group (IRRAG-Nigeria)
2 Hudson Lane, off Akakpava Street
PO Box 7400
Benin City, Nigeria
Tel: (234 52) 252497 or (234) 52 25516
Fax: (234 52) 250668.


Legal Research And Resource Development Center
386 Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba Box 75242
Victoria Island, Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (234-1) 864733/862097
Fax: (234-1) 610450/862097


Medical Women Association of Nigeria
Dept. of Community Health, College of Medicine
University of Lagos, Lagos St.
Nigeria


Ministry of Women's Affairs
PBM 229 Garki
Abuja, Nigeria
Tel:09-2340310-1
Objectives:Development of women with equal rights and corresponding responsibilities; Stimulate action to promote civic, political, social and economic participation of women; Co-ordinate and monitor women's programmes; Provide technical and financial support to women NGOs especially National Council of Women Societies.


MOMS Club of Onitsha Nigeria.
99 Upper New Market Road Onitsha
Anambra State Nigeria
Tel: 234-46-481762
Fax: 234-46-214352
Mobile-234-803-3223540
Email: onitshamomsclub@yahoo.com
Purpose: The MOMS Club of Onitsha Nigeria is the first in Nigeria and represent an international network of all mothers especially those who choose to work from home or stay home to raise their children.We believe that we owe our children a duty to raise them by our selves.The Mother Chapter is in California U.S.A. There is a new chapter in Lagos,the MOMS Club of Ikeja Lagos Nigeria and other Chapters are starting off. We equally believe in reaching out to the community by performimg service projects that will help children in the Community.


Muslim Sisters Organization Of Nigeria
P.O. Box 984, Islamic Trust of Nigeria
Zaria
Nigeria
234 69 50469


National Baha'i Office For The Advancement Of Women
P.O. Box 2029, G.P.O Marina
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: 234 1 834742
Fax: 234 834742


National Centre for Women in Development
Better Life Street, Central Area, P.M.B. 185
Garki-Abija
Nigeria


National Commission for Women
Area 2, Section I, Block 65
PMB 229
Garki-Abuja
Nigeria
Tel: 09-2340310-1
Objectives: Promoting the general welfare of women while ensuring their full utilization in the development of human resources as full participants in all facets of national development working towards total elimination of all social and cultural practices tending to discriminate against and dehumanize womanhood; Empowerment of Women through co-operative activities and income generation and employment schemes; Monitoring and hashing with appropriate government ministries/departments; Conducting research and formulating plans for improving the status of Women; Co-ordination, structuring and monitoring the activities of women's voluntary organizations.


National Committee On Women And Development
Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sport
5 Kofo Abayomi Street
Victoria Island
Lagos
Nigeria


National Council of Women
P.M.B. 229
Area 2, Section 1,
Block 65
Garki - Abuja
Nigeria
It is an umbrella NGO which acts as a bridge for linking women of Nigeria irrespective of creed, tribe or class; it is a platform for disseminating women's opinions and a liaison between the women and the Government of the day. It is the voice of the women of Nigeria and it is strictly non-political. Members are urged to interest themselves in public matters, in the government of the country and in all civil affairs. Partisan politics within the Council is not allowed. Women are however encouraged to fully involve themselves in political activities to ensure effective participation in development and decision-making.


National Council of Women Scientists
No. 3 Abdu Sambo
P.O.Box 4704
Kano
Nigeria
Tel: 64 662519
(Education, Literacy)


National Council of Women's Societies of Nigeria - Gongol State
Fufore Local Government
Gongola State
Nigeria


National Council Of Women's Societies Nigeria (NCWS)
Plot Pc 14, Ahmed Onibudo Street
Victoria Island.
P.O. Box 3063,
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: 234-615592 or 63 16 37 or (234) 1612091
Fax: (234) 9 234361
Provides a platform for formulating women's opinions and ideas and dissemination of such opinions and ideas; deals with requests and petitions from member organizations for social reform or other requests by making representation to the government or other appropriate bodies; sends delegates and/or representatives to and receives delegates and/or representatives from national and international organizations, meetings, and conferences; publishes a newsletter and any other publications the Council may think necessary; holds a biennial convention at which all member organization are represented.


Network Of African Rural Women Associations
NO. 7, Awosika Crescent, Ijapo Estate, P.M.B. 809
Akure, Ondo State
Nigeria
Tel: (234-34) 231 945
Fax: (234-34) 231 633


Nigerian Association of University Women
Department of Home Economics, Owerri, Imo State.
Nigeria


Nigerian Association Of University Women
P.O. Box 2382
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (234 1) 2620973
Fax: (234 1) 2620973


Nigerian Association of University Women (Ikeja branch)
33, Oba Akran Avenue
P. M. B. 21318
Ikeja
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel/Fax:+234-1-4974053
Email: komolara@yahoo.com or nauwikeja@kabissa.org
URL: http://www.kabissa.org/nauwikeja
Webpage: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/fairview/909/NAUWIKEJABRANCH.html


Nigerian Federation of Business and Professional Women
27 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi
Lagos
P.O.Box 618 Enugu Anambra State
Nigeria
Tel: 042-330-474 01-684-083


Nigerian Women
While this group is dedicated to the strength, the uniqueness and spirit of being a Nigerian and an African Woman, we also hope to use this forum to educate and publicize the issues and problems of Nigerian Women as it affects the whole dynamics of Nigerian Society. The forum is not ONLY for Nigerian Women, it is geared towards ALL Nigerians who wish to make a positive and meaningful contribution to the issues affecting us as Nigerians.
e-mail: NigerianWomen@yahoogroups.com


Nnewi (Better Life) Women Co-operative Society
P.O.Box 578 Nnewi Anambra State
Nigeria


Pan-African Movement
2-8 Calcutta Crescents, Gate 4, P.O. Box 610
Apapa, Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: 01-817333/875389
Fax: (011 234-1) 524000


Planned Parenthood Federation Of Nigeria
224 Ikorodu Road, PMB 12657
Palmgrove, Shomolu Layout, Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (234-1) 820945
Fax: (234-1) 820526


Save the Lost Women Adult Education Programme
c/o Salva Foundation International School
P.O.Box 206 Nnewi, Anambra St.
Nigeria
(Women, Literacy)


Society For The Welfare Of Women Prisoners
43B Kenyatta St., Uwani, c/o Box 15653, UNEC PO
Enugu
Nigeria
Tel: (234-42) 45716
Fax: (234-42) 455841


St. Andrew's Women's Organization
P.O.Box 312 Okigwe, Imo State
Nigeria


Steering Committee of Women in Nigeria
Dept. of Sociology
Ahmadu Bello
University
Zaria
Nigeria


Women Justice Program (WJP)
15A, Moloney St. POB 73586
Victoria Island, Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (234-1) 263 2999
Fax: (234-1) 263 2811


Women, Law And Development Centre
P.O. Box 167
Yaba, Lagos
Nigeria
01 867320
234 1 2635943


Women Living Under Muslim Laws International Solidarity Network - Africa and Middle East (WLUML-AME)
P.O. Box 73630
Victoria Island
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: +234 1 617 134
Fax: +234 1 617 134
E-mail: Baobab@baobab.com.ng or ayesha@baobab.com.ng
WLUML-AME is part of the international solidarity network Women Living Under Muslim Laws. WLUML offers solidarity and support to and promotes the exchange of information between those connected to the network. WLUML began in the mid 1980s as an action committee responding to threats using religion as a political means to challenge, deny or reduce women's rights. The organization actively collects and disseminates information. It organizes and participates in solidarity campaigns as well as organizing various training programs. The focuses of the training programs include email, internet, outreach planning, leadership, action research, and participitory methods.


Women In Nigeria (WIN)
P.O. Box 1832
Calabar, Cross River State
Nigeria
Tel: (234-87) 224836
Fax: (234-87) 220143


Women in Nigeria
38 Mount Aion Road
P.O.Box 4263
Calabar, Cross River State
Nigeria
Tel: 224228
Fax: 220143
(Women, right to culture, research, right to work, advocacy services, development)


Women in Nigeria
University of Calabar, Cross River State
P.O.Box 3663 Calabar
Nigeria


Women Welfare Association of Nigeria
33 Goodwill Street, Off College Road
Benin-City, Edo State
Nigeria


Women's Centre for Peace and Development (WOPED)
PO Box 4410
Oshodi, Lagos
Nigeria


Women's Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC)
4, Alofoje Street, Off Uwasota Road
P O Box 10231
Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Tel: 234 52 600151
Fax: 234 52 602091
Email: wharc@warri.rcl.nig.com
WHARC is involved with research, training and advocacy in reproductive health.


Women's Health And Economic Development Association (WHEDA)
NO. 44A Etuk Street
Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State
Nigeria
Tel: 234-85 204964, 85-20 427,
(Women, Health, Family planning)


Women's Health Organization Of Nigeria
1, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, PMB 21178
Ikeja
Nigeria
Tel: (234 1) 962463
Fax: (234 1) 524088


Women's Health Research Network In Nigeria (WHERNIN)
C/O Counselling Center, A.B.U
Zaria
Nigeria


Women's Health Research Network in Nigeria (WHERNIN)
Dept. of Sociology
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria
Nigeria


Women's Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC)
Institute of African Studies
University of Ibadan
Ibadan
Nigeria
Tel: +234 2 810 4077
Fax: +243 2 810 4077
E-mail: library@odeku.ui.edu.ng
WORDOC ia a pioneer effort to systematically collect material on women's studies. The centre is a national institution for research, training, and the dissemination of information for men and women interested in gender issues with respect to study, socio-economic policy and action. WORDOC serves final year undergraduates, postgraduates, scholars and researchers, as well as non-students interested in gender related issues. The collection includes conference proceedings, dissertations and theses, and many newsletters as a result of a newsletter exchange program in which WORDOC participates. Languages: English, French.


Working Group on Women and Work, NISER
University of Ibadan, Ibadan
Nigeria


Young Women Christian Association Of Nigeria (YWCA)
8 Maloney St., P.O. Box 449
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (234-1) 2630950
Fax: (234-1) 2630950


Youth Resource Development Council
31 Allen Ave. P.O.Box 987, Ikeja
Lagos
Nigeria
(234 01) 962 785

Running Errands with the Folks

Any time my parents have business to attend to, I usually tag along. This is mainly because there's nothing to do in the house.

So we all got up, ate breakfast, showered and headed to Ikorodu. Technically, Ikorodu isn't that far but the traffic here makes driving in New York feel like a walk in the park.

Allow me to show you around : )

There's my papacito. I spent the majority of this trip trying to convince him it was time for a new car but my father thinks it's wasting money since this one still runs. Nevermind the fact that we constantly had to stop because it overheated.

Twins : )

The bus pictured above had the phrase "Rock of Ages" on the back. I thought it was in reference to the musical.

My mother told me I need to go to church more often.


Taking an okada is a popular way to get around in Nigeria. Is it the safest? Hell no. But it's now illegal to ride without a helmet. Tsk tsk tsk, men in the picture.

Another way to get around? These lovely yellow buses.

My yellow flats are lovely too. At least I think so.


I'm not really sure what's going on in the pic above.

Welcome to my Room

The first thing I wanted to do when I got home from the airport was see the house. When my mom moved back to Nigeria in 1999, me and two of my siblings went with her. We moved out of the condo we spent all of our summers in (on Victoria Island) and moved to the house my parents bought in Alagbado.

If you're not from Nigeria, you may not understand the significance of this. My parents moved their Americanized children out to the sticks man! Moving from V.I. to Alagbado was like moving from Malibu to Backwater, Alabama!

It was hard to adjust and anything but comfortable but my parents found the land they needed to build their dream home. And it just happened to be in an area of Lagos that wasn't as developed as other parts. My parents added to an existing building so we moved from the boy's quarters to the guest house. After they finished gutting and rebuilding the main house, we moved into the first floor and they started working on the rest of the house. This all happened in the four years I lived there, before I went back to the states. Now the second floor is done.

It's been a long project for them but I'm so happy for my parents; they worked really hard to make their dreams a reality! The neighborhood has developed along with the house. I'm very happy to be an Alagbado resident.

Now, anyway : )

That's my desk/ vanity table. I tried to pack light but it still looks like I packed a suitcase of products! But at least I've put the table to good use since I've been home ; )

I would like a round of applause for only bringing five pairs of shoes with me (excluding my flip flops) Some people assume I'm going on safari when I tell them I'm going to Nigeria. But Lagos State is a far cry from the bush and we have metropolitan areas just like any other state. Besides, hiking boots aren't going to cut it; women here take their foot game seriously!


That's about it! My room is pretty bland and it sort of feels like a hotel room. I don't have any artwork on the walls and it's missing my piles of magazines and books but it's mine and it's big.

I love it so, I truly do : )

I want to show you guys how we get running water so look out for that post!

Food: Wheat Flour, Vegetable Stew and Ewedu Soup

My first full day back, I woke up and my mom told me to get my hair braided.

Let me just say, the woman here can braid hair like nobody's business! They are super talented and criminally cheap. I think my braids would have cost about 1000 naira ($1.00 is equivalent to 160 naira) but my mom always pays more because people here always do a great job.

Anyway, my friend Leke called some time in the afternoon and said "hey, I'm an hour away. See you soon!" I wasn't expecting to see anyone that day but was psyched all the same. Going to secondary school in Nigeria (Home Science Secondary School what what!) resulted in life-long friendships that I value.

Here's a pic of me and Leke looking zexy.

After he left, it was time to eat!

YAY!!!!!!!

Being home means eating my mom's cooking which is the best thing ever. EVER.

That night my mom cooked what we call wheat, vegetable stew and ewedu. Let me break it down for you:


Yum yum yum : )

The wheat is actually wheat flour made into a paste. My mom goes to the open-air market (Kola market is closest to us), and has the wheat milled to make the flour. When she gets home, she mixes some of the flour (the same type used to make bread) with hot water to make the paste.

The vegetable stew is made with green leaves we call "water leaf", chopped peppers, tomatoes, onions, Maggi and palm oil. It's sauteed. My mom usually adds dry fish to this dish as well but she skipped that part for me.

Ewedu is my favorite thing to eat when I'm home. Mainly because I don't even know where to find it in the states. Water leaf tastes like spinach to me so I have no problem substituting it but ewedu is special. The leaves are picked from the stem and then either chopped up into tiny pieces or blended. it starts to get this slimy consistency that used to kind of gross me out to be honest.

But I'm older now and appreciate foods more exotic than french fries.

Ewedu soup is kind of bland but my mom adds locust beans to it and I love those little suckers so I'm always happy when I eat them.

What do you guys think? If I cooked it, would you try the meal?