In an unexpected turn of events, the departing Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Ms Emmanuelle Blatmann, has set tongues wagging with her candid remarks about Nigerian cuisine, specifically singling out the beloved pepper soup. Blatmann, who has served as France's Ambassador to Nigeria since October 2021, recently announced her departure from the West African nation to assume the role of the director for Africa in Paris.
In an exclusive interview conducted in Abuja on Thursday, Blatmann left no room for ambiguity, stating, "I will be very honest with you and blunt, I will not miss the pepper soup because it’s too peppery. You people tried to kill me several times." Her unfiltered commentary on the spiciness of Nigerian pepper soup has sparked a mix of surprise and amusement among diplomatic circles and the Nigerian public alike.
The Ambassador, known for her engaging and lively demeanor, humorously described the ordeal of consuming the local delicacy, remarking, "I will be eating all sorts of things with my eyes red and crying, I have smoke coming out of my ears. I am exaggerating but honestly, why do you put so much pepper? In the North, it’s better but in the South West, my God!"
However, Blatmann did not shy away from expressing her fondness for other Nigerian dishes, mentioning, "But I like the jollof rice, I like the moimoi and the puff-puff." This nuanced perspective adds a layer of balance to her critique, acknowledging her appreciation for other aspects of the country's rich culinary tapestry.
Despite her spicy farewell to pepper soup, Blatmann emphasized her overall fondness for Nigeria. She expressed that she would miss the country's weather, its warm-hearted people, vibrant music, and the diverse array of foods in general. "I will miss the climate, I will miss the love of the people, I will miss the sense of humor, the laughter, the music, the dancing. I dance a lot, I will miss a lot," she stated, highlighting the multifaceted aspects of her experience during her diplomatic tenure.
As reactions pour in from various quarters, this unexpected twist in the farewell narrative has added a dash of humor and cultural reflection to the diplomatic scene, reminding everyone that even in the realm of international relations, personal tastes and preferences can play a significant role
