In honour of Black History Month, Chef Iyabo Olaniyan and a team of volunteers prepared a delicious Nigerian feast for visitors to Gibsons Public Market on Feb. 8.
Chef Olaniyan is known on the Sunshine Coast for her generous gifts of food to the homeless, to her church family, and through community events. The meal (free by donation) included spicy jollof rice; honey pinto beans; spinach stew with kale, mint and iru (locust beans); African yam fried with plantain; and akara (African doughnuts). Funds raised will go to support an orphanage in Nigeria.
“I am grateful for the turnout and for the team who work with great hospitality in collaboration to make it a success,” said Iyabo in an email. “We’re very appreciative of the noble people of the Sunshine Coast community for their support, love, and acceptance each time we are celebrating.” She also thanked local businesses for their support and donations. The women will host community events in Powell River on Feb. 15 and in Madeira Park on Feb. 16.
For more on the history behind these events, click here to see the article in the Fall 2023 Coast Life magazine.
