African dishes now cost fortunes in diaspora

Over the years, there had been a great influx of Africans to foreign countries, mostly in search of the proverbial greener pastures. This had been largely triggered by bad economic policies and massive corruptions on the part of the African leaders and representatives, who in turn carry out some unimaginable corrupt practices, thereby plunging their respective countries and subjects into untold hardship.

This ugly situation has forced many Africans to leave the continent in their great numbers to migrate to foreign lands, mostly Europe and America. Most of the migrants who couldn't afford not afford the necessary requirements such as visa and air tickets, resorted to the highly risky desert route to achieve their aim. Many of them have died in the desert due to hunger, thirst and fatigue arising as a result of long trekking. The lucky ones are fortunate enough to reach their destination alive, will also have their host countries' immigration officers to deal with, as many of them are arrested and deported back to their respective countries of origin.

The population of Africans in the diaspora have continued to grow by the day and it is not showing any sign of slowing down. This has made African dishes to be very expensive in those countries, many African Restaurant operators in the various countries especially US, are making it big as they enjoy a great patronage of the Africans who usually throng to their food houses to enjoy African dishes such as Akpu, Abacha, Garri, and host of other African dishes. Recently a Nigerian in diaspora posted a pix on his social media account with a pix of a plate of Akpu and egusi soup, and a short writing saying: JUST BOUGHT THIS FOR 20 DOLLARS. As at the time such post was made, the exchange rate of twenty dollars in the Nigerian currency [naira], is approximately 9,500 NGN. Such amount of money is enough to feed at least thirty-five mouths, judging by local standard.

  Well, there you had it. If you are an African and you are planning about leaving the shores of motherland for the diaspora any time soon, and you are not quite certain about what  to do to earn a living there, here comes a guaranteed business to do and you will surely be smiling to the bank regularly. You can thank me later.

 

  [Ibenta Chukwudi is a freelancer,blogger, poet, scriptwriter, and a novelist. You may reach him on 07066827920. Email:ibentachukwudi@yahoo.com]