Lai Mohammed Claims Jollof Rice Was Originally Prepared for Prisoners, Sparks Online Reactions" Former Nigerian Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, revealed in a December 23, 2025 interview that jollof rice, as known today, originated from Senegalese “wollof” and was initially prepared for prisoners. Mohammed explained that the dish combined all ingredients on one plate and only later evolved into the popular home and party dish familiar in Nigeria and Ghana. His comments reignited discussions online, with many Nigerians reacting on social media, while others defended the dish’s cultural significance. The disclosure comes amid the ongoing playful “Jollof Rice War” between Nigeria and Ghana over the best version of the dish. #LaiMohammed #JollofRice #WollofRice #NigerianCuisine #FoodOrigins #SenegaleseCuisine