From My Mother’s Kitchen to Otys. Posted 03/04/206

If you’ve never had pap, imagine the creaminess of oatmeal, the comfort of grits, and the smoothness of warm custard — all in one nourishing bowl.

Pap, also known as ogi or akamu, is a traditional Nigerian food made from fermented grains such as maize, sorghum, and the likes. For generations it has been enjoyed as a nourishing breakfast and comforting meal.

Naturally fermented.
Gentle on the stomach.
Perfect for kids and adults.
Real, simple, wholesome.

Growing up in Nigeria, pap was everywhere. Hawkers sold it early in the morning and again at night, especially during Ramadan.
But in my Yoruba home, buying pap from hawkers was a big NO.

My mother made sure we prepared ours at home — clean, fresh, and proper.

As the first daughter, I really suffered in her hands… in the sweetest way. 😂
She believed I had to learn everything.

For Maami (my mother), she would say: "you must know how to do everything. You will NOT go and disgrace me in your husband's house!"

Today I laugh about those moments, but I am deeply grateful.
Those lessons shaped me and continue to inspire everything we create at Otys™ today.

Food was never just food in our home — it was tradition, care, and responsibility passed down from one generation to another.

Love you, Mom.

Those memories stayed with me. They are part of the reason POONI LLC with dba's: Otys and Jollof & Others were created.

We wanted to bring pap to people the way it was meant to be enjoyed, while also creating new ways to add nutrients and enjoy pap in today’s world.

From traditional pap to enriched blends and other Nigerian foods, our goal is to preserve the flavors and traditions we grew up with.

More stories about growing up in Africa and the foods that shaped us are coming.

Stay tuned. Something nourishing is on the way.

"Crafted from Tradition, Served with Heart."