It's been 3 days in Nigeria, and I have yet to see a single person smoke a cigarette in the public. I find that amazing... I would have thought that they would smoke a lot, thinking of a news report I had seen some time ago, which said Africa has become the next target for cigarette companies. But so far, I have not seen a single soul smoking outside.

I asked my friend, "Nigerians don't smoke?" and he said, "I don't know. May be they smoke at home. But nobody I know smokes. In general, it is safe to say that we don't smoke."

So I asked, "Is it because of Christianity?" And he said "Most probably. That and the fact that not many people can afford to get addicted to cigarette."

Another thing that I didn't see much of in Nigeria was 'food'. Road side noodle shop that we see everywhere in Thailand suddenly appears in my mind and I miss them dearly... To have things to eat anytime, anywhere... that's really some luxury that we take for granted...

Today, we skipped lunch because we couldn't find any restaurant. I said, "Don't worry. I can eat anything, anywhere. It doesn't have to be air conditioned restaurant. Outside food stall would be fine." And my friend replied, "If you see any place like that, please tell me, coz I sure can't find any!"

This morning, I went to an NGO office and my friend introduced me to one of the manager there. When she learned that I was from Thailand, the first thing she said was,

"What's with the rising price of rice? We are hungry! Soon, we won't be able to afford your rice and we will really have nothing to eat!"

I could sense that she wasn't just saying it as a joke... Her eyes were serious and her face was desperate. I really didn't know what to say, so I replied,

"Although it's not my personal fault, I'm very sorry about the high price. I do hope the situation eases soon."

After my day was done, we went to my friend's office, where a group of men were having a convesation. They were talking about food situation.

You see, my friend, Dr. Chidi, is working on a project to promote rice farming in Nigeria, with the help of Thai Government.

They explained to me how serious the food shortage is in Nigeria.

"I hear you didn't have lunch."

John said to me. I said yes. And he continued.

"Is it because you didn't have any money? No. Here, even with money you can't buy food. There is just no food in this country!"

And Douglas followed.

"Now, even a person like you, who has a car and money, can't find food, how about the normal people in this country, huh? Where and how will they get food?"

I felt so sad... They explained to me the situation, and they explained to me the reason for such food shortage.

In summary, corruption and power hungry politicians have messed up the country. It seems PIGS are everywhere...

After a couple of hours, I was fully briefed on their situation. And I asked,

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

And Dr. Chidi looked at me and said,

"Brother, do you know what it feels like to be hungry all the time?"

And he paused for a moment, before continuing,

"If you know anyone who knows about rice farming in BIG scale, and wants to help us, please let us know. We will pay. We have the funding."

At this point, I tell them,

"It's getting late and I'm tired. I'll think about what I can actually do to help, but meanwhile, I want to rest now."

And we shake hands we part... At the back of my mind, I wish I was son of CP or something like that so I can help them...