Arise TV’s Vimbai Mutinhiri Sparks Debate Over Imported Ginger in Nigeria

Arise TV anchor Vimbai Mutinhiri expresses concern over strange-looking ginger sold in Nigeria
She shares video showing “giant, tasteless” ginger roots she suspects are imported
Nigerians react with shock, calling for investigation into food safety

Arise TV anchor and media personality, Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpenyong, has sparked a conversation online after raising concern about the quality of ginger being sold in Nigerian markets.

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Eko Hot Blog report that In a video shared on her Instagram story, the Zimbabwean-born broadcaster revealed that she bought some ginger that looked unusually large and flawless but had no taste or smell. She said it had a “smooth” texture and looked nothing like the typical Nigerian ginger, which is usually smaller, more fibrous and aromatic.

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“There’s something wrong with this ginger. It’s big, white, and smooth but absolutely tasteless. I’m not putting that in my body. It can’t be Nigerian,” she said in the now-viral clip.

She went on to ask viewers whether they had experienced the same thing and suggested the suspicious ginger may have been imported and possibly genetically modified.

The video has since gone viral, with many Nigerians echoing her concerns. Some alleged that strange agricultural produce have been slipping into the country without proper regulation.

“This is how they sneak dangerous foods into our market,” one user commented.

“Nigerian ginger is spicy and strong. What is this bland thing?” another said.

Although the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is yet to respond, many are now calling on authorities to investigate the source of the questionable ginger and tighten border controls on imported food items.

Vimbai Mutinhiri is known for her work on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” and her vocal stance on lifestyle, culture and wellness.