OZOZ SOKOH

(THE KITCHEN BUTTERFLY) 

What country were you educated in:

It depends on which education. Nigeria till the end of secondary school and the UK fir University

What makes your country special:

Its complexity, dynamism, optimism and rich, diverse food culture

 What is your favourite city and why:

Sigh. Many favourites – Tokyo for the food (I’ve not been yet but I’m planning on eating my way through the 2020 Olympics), Paris because Paris and lilting, melodic French accents, croissants, great butter and everything else, Edinburgh – because it holds the best childhood memories of finally discovering food was delicious

Where is your favourite place to hang out in your city:

Any of the markets – fruits, vegetables, open markets

What is your favourite restaurant in your city:

Terrakulture for their fried yam and goat meat stew

Tell us about your favourite African travel destination:

 It has to be Nairobi – I loved the ease of East Africa, and discovering all the ways East and West are the same

Have any books (plays or films) changed your life:

Books, yes. Charlotte’s web, a children’s book by EB White which illustrates the beauty of weird, uncommon, unlikely friendships

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party (dead or alive): 

David Chang, of Momofuku

Who is your style icon:

Chimamanda Adiche Ngozi is my everything icon – effortlessy stylish, supremely intelligent and extra warm hearted

What item of clothing do you wear the most:

A pair of multicoloured cotton pants I got in a Dubai souk many years ago – it’s so comfortable

Tell us about your most extravagant fashion purchase:

A string of pearls which I’ve worn only a handful of times. Purchased one winter’s day in Macy’s in New York, urged by my fashionable sister

What single thing would improve the quality of your life:

I’m pretty happy right now

What are your guilty pleasures:

Food, especially snacks – deep fried dough of several kinds 

What makes Africa special to you: 

Its people – the diversity and richness of the culture is amazing

If you were the [President, Leader, Prime Minister  of your country for the day what would you do 

I’d extend my tenure by 364 days more and implement my plan for a better Nigeria

 

• Educations/ Integrate history, geography, agriculture and home economics into all school curriculums. This will address the UN’s SDG goals towards No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well being and more. Students will learn about Nigeria’s amazing resources early and will develop understanding of the importance of these subjects in securing our collective future
• Infrastructure/ I will fix power by exploring alternative/ renewable sources from solar to wind, waste and biomass using geography and existing possibilities to guide projects and implementation.

Which living person do you most admire: 

Me! Myself! I. 

Where do you see your country in 10 years time:

Better infrastructure, younger leaders, increased interest in the links between agriculture and overall development, growth in the farm to table movement with everyone growing something, either in pots in front of their houses, or as part of community gardens

How is technology changing your country: 

Technology is increasing access and spreading awareness and education about important topics, raising issues about privacy

Tell us about your favourite charity, what work do they carry out:

My favourite charity is KIR Foundation. They support literacy for prisoners in various ways, particularly by providing books and more

Why does the T I A project appeal to you: 

It is about Africa, for Africa, (by Africans?)