Ironically, my detty December in Nigeria was anything but “detty.”  While Lagos deserves its blog post for the whirlwind of traffic and errands that consumed my time there, I want to focus this reflection on what truly mattered: the connections that made this trip memorable.

Over two weeks, I traveled through Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, and my village, Mbaise, experiencing moments of joy, gratitude, and community. At the heart of this trip was the chance to deepen my relationships with family and friends—both old and new. A dear friend invited me into her world, introducing me to her circle of childhood friends, college mates, and warm, welcoming family. Through them, I got a glimpse into the life she has built, and it was a blessing to be a part of it.

I also reconnected with my family and finally met my overly energetic nieces and nephew after five years. Their boundless energy was exhausting and heartwarming, and I cherished every moment. Our time together in noisy, crowded rooms reminded me of the simple joy of being present with loved ones. As expected, these moments were often accompanied by comforting meals that no restaurant could ever replicate. 

Beyond home-cooked meals, I indulged a bit in the vibrant food scenes in Lagos and Abuja. In Lagos, I had my first proper experience with amala at Nest Lagos. Though I had tried it in the U.S. before, this was my true introduction, and it did not disappoint. The amala was so good that we returned later that week to relive the experience. Another standout was Just Afang, where I tried afang soup and ekpang nkukwo for the first time. While the service was slow, these dishes more than made up for the wait. 

In Abuja, eating as much suya as possible was only fitting, and I did just that at Yahouza Suya, savoring the perfectly spiced suya with massa, a type of fermented rice cake. Both felt like essential culinary experiences in the heart of Nigeria’s capital. At Village Chief, I wound down with Arabian tea and was pleasantly surprised to learn about the tea-drinking culture in northern Nigeria. My time in Abuja reminded me that I have so much to experience when it comes to Nigerian cuisine. 

As the year came to a close, I found myself reflecting not on the stress of Lagos traffic or the errands that had consumed so much of my time but on these moments of connection and community. My un-detty December may not have been what I initially imagined, but it was exactly what I needed. 

Have you experienced Detty December in Lagos? I’d love to hear about your experience! 

Until next time,

Thelma