From Market to Table: What Nigerian Ingredients Taught Me About Innovation
As a Science major in secondary school as well as Uni, I spent a good part of my early years in one laboratory or the other. So much so that when I graduated from University, I found myself adrift without the comfort of a laboratory and chemicals to experiment with. I had always hated cooking until I had an A-ha! moment while idly scrolling through TV channels to find something to amuse me. I discovered Food Network and Gordon Ramsay. I watched transfixed as they mixed different food ingredients to create beautiful meals. I had discovered my new laboratory!
Several years later, I find myself deep in the throes of a world where the rapid pace of technology often dictates the rhythm of our lives. It can be both refreshing and enlightening to draw lessons from the seemingly simple aspects of our daily routines. Here’s one thing I often tell my mentees and team members-
“Product management draws from your everyday interactions. The random conversations on the stairway, or the a-ha moment you get driving through slow traffic days… that’s where you research. That’s how you innovate”
As a Nigerian who finally got to enjoy cooking so much that I even once successfully ran a breakfast kitchen “just because”, the rich bounty of Nigeria’s markets has not only spiced up my culinary adventures but also offered profound insights into the essence of innovation.
The Rich Tapestry of Nigerian Markets
Walking through the bustling markets of Nigeria, whether it’s the huge Ekeonunwa Market in Owerri, Oyingbo Market in Lagos, Wuse Market in Abuja, or any of the numerous other markets across the country, one is immediately struck by the vivid medley of colors, sounds, and scents.
From the pungent smell of well-fermented ogiri or the sweet scent of the “nchu anwu” (basil) to the fiery punch of cameroon pepper and the sound of hawkers and sellers calling out to you, every stall tells an intriguing tale of tradition, culture, and resilience. This sensory overload is an ode to Nigeria’s diversity and the deep-rooted connections between its people and their land.
Embracing Diversity and Adaptability
One of the first lessons I learned from local Nigerian ingredients is the importance of diversity and adaptability. Nigeria’s cuisine is a melting pot of influences, each region contributing its unique flavors and ingredients. For instance, the west is known for spicy oil-rich foods that do a merengue in your mouth, the northern regions favor the soothing beauty in grains like millet and sorghum, while the Southeast master the art of creating edible magic with vegetables, herbs, cassava and yams. This diversity encourages culinary experimentation and adaptability, much like the innovation process in the tech industry.
In my professional journey, I’ve found that the best performing teams are those mixed backgrounds and perspectives. Just as a traditional Nigerian dish might incorporate unexpected ingredients to create a harmonious flavor, an innovative product often emerges from the blending of different ideas and approaches.
Leveraging Local Resources for Global Impact
Nigerian ingredients also taught me the value of exploring local resources to create something extraordinary. Take, for example, the humble cassava. This root vegetable is a staple in many Nigerian households, transformed into various products like garri, fufu, amala, abacha, and tapioca. By maximizing the potential of this local resource, Nigerians have created a versatile ingredient that meets a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
In the world of product development, this translates to making the most of available resources to meet market demands. By understanding the unique strengths and capabilities of local talent and materials, businesses can create products that are not only innovative but also deeply resonant with their target audience.
The Power of Resilience and Resourcefulness
The Nigerian market scene is also a testament to resilience and resourcefulness. Farmers and vendors often face numerous challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns, infrastructural and social challenges, to insane economic fluctuations. Yet, they continuously adapt- finding creative solutions to ensure their produce reaches consumers in the best possible condition.
This resilience is a crucial trait for any innovator. The journey of bringing a new product to market is fraught with obstacles and setbacks. However, the ability to adapt, pivot, and find resourceful solutions can make the difference between success and failure. Just as Nigerians innovate to keep their produce fresh and available for consumers, product managers must innovate to keep their projects on track.
Innovation Through Tradition
Finally and probably most importantly, Nigerian ingredients have taught me that innovation doesn’t always mean abandoning tradition. Many traditional Nigerian dishes, passed down through generations, have evolved over time while retaining their core essence. For example, the traditional jollof rice recipe has countless variations as evidenced by the popular “Jollof Wars”, each adding a unique twist while preserving the dish’s fundamental characteristics.
In the tech industry, this principle applies to building upon existing technologies and methodologies to create something new and improved. It’s about honoring the past while looking towards the future, ensuring that innovation is rooted in a solid foundation of proven practices.
As we continue to seek out new solutions and breakthroughs, let us remember the valuable lessons that can be gleaned from the everyday and the local, for they hold the keys to truly transformative innovation.
I’ll leave you with this beautiful coffee quote
“Coffee connects us in so many ways — to each other, to our senses, and to the earth that supports the coffee trees.”
Rohan Marley, chairman of Marley Coffee, former pro football player, and son of Bob Marley
