A Nigerian lady has drawn attention online after uncovering an old shopping list written by her father, which showed the cost of groceries in the early 1980s. She came across the notebook among her father's properties and was struck by his handwriting and the prices of foodstuffs.
Lady Posts Photos of Dad's Notebook
Inside was a neatly written record of foodstuffs he had planned to buy at the market that year, alongside the prices he paid for each item at the time. The list showed a variety of food items, including okro, ogili, crayfish, pepper, meat, onions, palm oil, ogbono, and ugu.
According to the figures recorded, the amounts spent on the items were low when compared with current market rates, which left many readers taken aback. The list revealed that okro had cost 20 naira, ogili 4 naira, crayfish 10 naira, pepper 5 naira, onions 5 naira, ogbono 35 naira, ugu 5 naira, palm oil 10 naira, and meat 60 naira.
Lady's Admiration for Her Father's Handwriting
The lady, identified on TikTok as @simplyashly, first expressed admiration for her father's handwriting, describing it as beautiful and well-formed. She also reflected on how different the cost of living had been back then, noting that the figures seemed almost unimaginable in light of today's prices. Sharing the book online, she said: 'Found one of my dad's notebook from 1981. His handwriting is so beautiful. My dad's expenses back then. The cost of things omg, can we go back to the good old days. I'm so obsessed with my papi's handwriting. I'm still amazed.'
Reactions as Lady Posts Dad's Notebook
The post quickly attracted reactions from TikTok users who commented on the difference between past and present expenses. One user, @Thrifts store in mpape Abuja, said: 'No one saw the beggars! He knew he will settle them and he included it in the list! Good man.' Another user, @Chinasa, commented: 'Wow! My dad went to boys high school, ihube okigwe too.'
@bámidélé added: 'Oh dear this is so beautiful and it brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of my dad's books and writings, and how I tried so hard to keep them. I wanted to finish his manuscripts for him and put them out like he envisioned, but I wasn't able to, they all got destroyed. Still one of the biggest losses I have had to face. This is such beautiful archival material.'
@HELEN wrote: 'Meat 60 naira? You people should take me back, I want to unsubscribe from 21st century.'
The discovery has sparked nostalgia among many Nigerians, who long for the days when the cost of living was significantly lower. The lady's post continues to circulate on social media, evoking memories of a bygone era.
