When Ada Okafor arrived in Victoria from Lagos in 1985, her mother’s jollof rice recipe was the only thing that felt like home. This recipe story traces how one dish, scribbled on a notebook page, adapted to Canadian groceries, taught to her own children, carried a family’s memory across an ocean and four decades.
Who is Ada Okafor?
Ada Okafor's family jollof recipe was passed from her grandmother to her mother to her, and now to her children and grandchildren.
Life lessons
“Food is memory. Teach your children to cook the old recipes. One day, when you are gone, the smell of that pot will bring you back to them.”
Songs
The soundtrack of Ada's life
- 01
Sorrow, Tears and Blood · Fela Kuti
Fela's music was the soundtrack of every kitchen I grew up in. My mother would cook, and the whole house would vibrate.
- 02
One Love · Bob Marley
When we first arrived in Canada and missed home, this song reminded us that family is love, no matter where you are.
- 03
Sweet Mother · Prince Nico Mbarga
Every Nigerian knows this song. My grandmother sang it while she cooked. My mother sang it. I sing it. It's not a song, it's a family heirloom.
Reflections
Leave a note for Ada Okafor's family
A space for family, neighbours and visitors. Every reflection is read by our team before it appears here.
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Keepsake
Take this story home
Typeset as a printable book: a cover, the photographs, the story in full, life lessons and songs, and a closing page with a QR code back to it here.
Letter or A4 · PDF
Handled with care.
Every submission is reviewed before publication. Memory House prioritizes consent, dignity, privacy, cultural respect, and the right to request corrections or removal.
