A NATIVE DELICACY CALLED “MKPONG COLONY” THAT HAS GONE INTO EXTINCTION IN IWERRE CLAN

Harvested Cocoyam - Mkpong Colony

For over 15 years I haven't seen the “mkpong colony” also known as "Ikpong" in Ibibio tribe, that used to sustain us when we were back from school until our parents were back from the farm. This species does not select soil; that is why it was found everywhere, including gardens and farms that are close to the house. When you're hungry, you can just harvest 2 to 3 strands and cook, making sauce with just red oil and pepper; the table is set for flies to congregate.

One day I visited a place, and I saw this cocoyam (mkpong colony). I had to stop and get involved, assisting in the harvest; I was given some. MY GOAL NOW IS TO BRING BACK THE MKPONG COLONY.

The people of Iwerre (my people) refer to this particular cocoyam species as “mkpong colony”. It is one of our numerous delicacies, which serve different purposes. The native name is “mkpong”, while the “colony” attached has the historical background that it was discovered during the time of British colonisation. This cocoyam might have been mainly found where the colonisers occupied before local farmers were able to transplant it to their farms. The “mkpong colony” was in existence up to the 1990s before it was gone. It is no longer commercialised; the handful you may have today is for consumption.

I am Harvesting mkpong

Apart from its palatable nature, it also has a variety of benefits to the human body and health in general. These include supplying the immune system with vitamins C and E and providing essential energy from its starch and carbohydrates, as well as the fact that its high fibre content facilitates digestion.

One of the ways of cooking mkpong with sauce

“Mkpong colony”, as it is fondly called, comes with a unique taste that cannot be easily resisted, especially when eaten with local sauce. The fact that this special cocoyam species has gone into extinction raises a thousand and one questions that probably can only be answered on the programme “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire”. It is sad to know that these days, parents prepare to feed their children with stuff like noodles, which are not too healthy for human consumption as a result of the preservatives attached to it.

Imagine filling your child's lunch box with “mkpong colony” and a well prepared sauce for him or her to take to school at least once a week? I bet you the result will be amazing, because your child will outshine his peers.

To this end, I think it is pertinent for all hands to be on deck to make sure we bring back “mkpong colony” and include it on our food menu. If this cocoyam did not go into oblivion during the days of our forebears, then we must not let it happen in our generation, because of its rich content as well as health benefits to the human body.

Preserved for planting

Remember this cocoyam called “mkpong colony” in my clan brings back memories, perhaps to keep believing that nothing lasts forever, but does the saying include food? Or are people lost in planting this specie, or if I should go on to ask, if the land has so rejected this cocoyam?

This is a well known nutritious food rich in vitamins C and E which the poor can afford. I am not against the foreign food formulas but our heritage should be preserved and “mkpong colony” should be kept side with other delicacies. I am ready to champion the replanting of “mkpong colony” come the next plant season. I have made enquiries already.