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.