
Nollywood star Nse Ikpe-Etim has once again captured the internet's heart, this time not through a blockbuster movie role, but with a witty response that left social media users laughing and applauding her quick humor. The talented actress, known for her strong presence both on screen and online, delivered a viral moment after a fan made a rather interesting confession about his search for an Akwa Ibom wife based solely on cooking prowess.
It all started when Nse Ikpe-Etim shared a post highlighting a mouth-watering Afang soup, a popular dish native to the Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in Nigeria. The actress showcased the dish with a special nod to the fish swimming generously in the rich soup, praising it as a true "game changer." The post quickly garnered attention, with fans commenting about the irresistible look of the food and sharing their admiration for both the dish and Nse herself.
Among the flood of comments, one particularly caught the spotlight. A Twitter user with the handle @akobiEledumare, clearly overwhelmed by the deliciousness on display, confessed that he was tired of his usual ewedu and semo meals and was now actively searching for a "better Ibom girl" to marry, presumably hoping to enjoy such delightful cooking every day. The comment, casual yet funny, struck a chord with many Nigerians who are familiar with the popular joke that Akwa Ibom women are extraordinary cooks.
Nse Ikpe-Etim, never one to shy away from a lighthearted exchange, delivered a classic clapback that sent social media into a frenzy. Instead of encouraging the marriage hunt, she simply replied, "Find a chef," suggesting in the most hilarious way possible that culinary skills alone shouldn’t be the reason for choosing a life partner. Her response, short, sharp, and utterly brilliant, drew thousands of reactions almost immediately, with fans praising her sense of humor and wisdom rolled into one sentence.
The playful exchange quickly went viral, with many sharing screenshots and turning the moment into memes and funny commentary across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and even TikTok. Some users praised Nse for her no-nonsense attitude, while others joked that many men indeed needed to hear that message: if it’s cooking they want, they should simply hire a professional chef instead of tying someone’s entire value to the kitchen.
Beyond the laughter, Nse’s response touched on deeper conversations happening around gender roles, marriage expectations, and the pressures placed on women, particularly in African societies. Many women chimed in to thank the actress for subtly addressing an issue that often goes unchecked—where a woman's worth is unfairly measured by her domestic skills rather than her full humanity. Others simply enjoyed the humor and used it as an opportunity to celebrate Akwa Ibom cuisine, one of Nigeria’s most beloved food traditions.
For her part, Nse Ikpe-Etim has built a reputation over the years as not just an outstanding actress but also a woman who champions authenticity, intelligence, and empowerment. Whether she is acting in critically acclaimed movies like "Reloaded" and "Phone Swap," or engaging with fans on social media, she consistently exudes a blend of grace and strength that resonates with audiences far beyond Nigeria. Her effortless wit during this latest viral moment is just another example of why she remains one of Nollywood’s most respected figures.
As the conversation continued to spiral online, more users humorously debated whether good cooking should still be one of the top qualities sought in a spouse or if the modern world calls for a more balanced view of partnership. Some agreed with Nse’s stance, admitting that being with someone for superficial reasons like cooking or cleaning could easily lead to bigger problems down the road. Others, in true Nigerian banter fashion, insisted they would still prefer a spouse who could whip up a mean pot of Afang or Edikang Ikong any day.
Meanwhile, the original poster, @akobiEledumare, took the reply in stride, responding with laughing emojis and acknowledging the humor in Nse's statement. It was a refreshing reminder that social media, often plagued by negativity and arguments, can sometimes be a place for wholesome, lighthearted moments that bring people together—even if it's over a bowl of delicious soup.
This latest interaction also sparked a mini-surge in online interest around Afang soup itself, with people googling recipes and some daring to try their hand at preparing the rich, vegetable-laden delicacy. Food bloggers and content creators seized the moment too, posting step-by-step tutorials, while Akwa Ibom natives beamed with pride at the recognition their cuisine was getting on a global scale, all thanks to a simple but delightful social media exchange.
Nse Ikpe-Etim’s response, while humorous, managed to leave a lingering message in the minds of many: marriages and relationships should be about mutual respect, shared values, and deeper emotional connections—not just about who can cook the best pot of soup. And if it's just the cooking you want? Well, as Nse said, find a chef.
In a world where celebrity interactions often seem scripted or distant, it’s refreshing to see a star like Nse engage with fans in a way that’s real, warm, and genuinely funny. As Nigerians continue to revel in this unforgettable online moment, one thing is clear—whether on screen, in the kitchen, or online, Nse Ikpe-Etim knows how to steal the show without even trying.