Writers 
OH DEAR GARRI
The Student’s Emergency Companion
Oh dear Garri, golden and bright,
You come to our rescue, morning or night.
Made from cassava, simple and fine,
Pour you in a bowl and everything’s divine.
When hunger knocks with a mighty sound,
And there is no food anywhere around,
A student will smile and quickly say,
“Don’t worry, Garri will save the day!”
No pot to wash, no fire to light,
No cooking stress, no kitchen fight.
Just pour in the Garri, add water with care,
A little sugar—and life feels fair.
Some add groundnuts, some add milk,
Some make it rich and smooth as silk.
Others say, “Please, make mine thick!”
Because when hunger comes, nobody wants to pick!
Before a lecture, when time is gone,
Garri stands ready before the dawn.
Five minutes later, the bowl is clear—
Even the lecturer might disappear!
In school, Garri is first aid indeed,
For every hungry student in need.
When pocket is empty and stomach complains,
Garri arrives without making demands.
During exams, when the brain feels slow,
And hunger says, “You’re ready to go,”
One bowl of Garri can calm the fight,
And suddenly mathematics looks less frightening!
Oh dear Garri, humble but grand,
You understand every student’s demand.
Cheap, fast, simple, and always near—
A faithful friend throughout the school year.
So raise your cup and give three cheers:
To Garri, the hero that conquers our fears!
When hunger attacks and there’s nowhere to run,
Oh dear Garri—you get the job done!
