World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Darren Tang made his first official visit to Nigeria this week, and while he had plenty to say about creativity, intellectual property, and monetising Afrobeats, it was his playful comment about Nigerian jollof rice that got social media talking.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Tang expressed deep appreciation for Nigerian culture – its music, fashion, and film – and stressed the need for creators to protect their work to benefit financially. But when the conversation turned to local cuisine, the WIPO chief knew he was treading dangerous waters.
He admitted to thoroughly enjoying Nigerian jollof rice, but quickly added a diplomatic caveat: he wants to avoid sparking a debate with neighbouring countries over whose version reigns supreme.
“I want to avoid that conversation,” Tang said with a smile, wisely sidestepping the legendary jollof wars between Nigeria and others.
While his mission in Abuja focused on helping Nigerian innovators turn creativity into tangible assets, his lighthearted jollof comment proved that even global intellectual property leaders know better than to pick a side in West Africa’s most delicious rivalry.
