Heheheh! I am giddy with excitement at the thought of the caption of this piece, so let me laugh myself before you all start laughing at me. I am sure many would say "Jisi  ibia kwa ozo". Jisi there you go again." Don't worry, I am not prescribing a new recipe for the kitchen. Even though I went for a wedding last week and the Caterer put both Agidi and Abacha among the proteins to be served. 

Now back to the matter on ground. Some years ago , I wrote something on "The Dance Approach to Relationship and Marriage", detailing how marriage should be view from the prism of dancing. After all, it takes two to tango; hence, I always pray for people at weddings and wedding anniversaries "may your dance together be eternal". now I want to share another approach hence my choice heading. Please be patient and read through first. 

It is no news that the configuration of man and woman is different but when blended well in every relationship, the result is beautiful. We have established that using the dance analogy. I have always held that a relationship is like a dinner table set with rich food made of different spices where people come with varying degrees of appetite and looks to get satisfied. Hence my prayer for new couples, "May your taste in each other be ever spicy." 

Now let's look at it individually 

Growing up, one of the major features of the famous local Abakaliki rice oroduced in Ebonyi State  South East Nigeria, is the Stones inherent in it. Yes, the man is likened to such. No matter how well you pick, sieve and blow, you must still find some stones.This is the uniqueness of that Brand. 

Ask those from the south western part of Nigeria who enjoy Ofada rice. Ofada rice produced mainly in Ofada Town, Ogun State and is cooked in leaves and eaten with stew fried in Palm Oil and enjoyed mostly in parties. As much as I love that meal, nothing prepares you for the Stones you encounter while eating it. Ọ zi ka nwoke dị. (that is how a man is). 

Beyond our love for Ofada rice is the understanding that we must encounter some stones and storms along the way. The woman who understands her man loves and respects him already. 

If you love "Agidi Jollof", (pap cake made from corn, but with added spices to make it tasty), then you would understand the nature of the woman for no Agidi Jollof is complete with the usual brisket (biscuit) bone. 

Agidi Jollof is made up of varying spices but the most concealed is the bone in it. Hence the truism in the South African proverb "strike a woman, strike a rock".  Without the bone, the "Jollofness"  in the Agidi is lost and it is merely just Agidi. 

When the woman is loved, then the man can get to the succulent part of the brisket because indeed love is thicker than brisket bone. 

From the above illustration No matter how well you think you have groomed your man, you would still find some unsavoury acts. Again no matter how beautiful and tender, sweet and luscious your woman appears, there is the rock within, deal with it. No partner is complete!  No Mr. Right neither is there a Miss Perfect! 

It is cooperation that makes the pot of rice rise plentifully during cooking. Understanding, trust, sacrifice,  cooperation, effective communication is key to lasting relationship. Find and understand the need for the Stones in your Ofada rice, discover and love the bone in your Agidi Jollof but most Importantly, appreciate the distinct flavour that your blend produces. 

Stay Jiggy

Jisi