In which of these Nigerian tribes is it a norm for women to put on weight in order to attract suitors for marriage?

Analyze the question: This is a general-knowledge/comprehension-style question about Nigerian culture. It asks which Nigerian tribe has a tradition of women gaining weight to attract suitors for marriage.

Explain the concept: In parts of southeastern Nigeria, especially among the Efik of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, there is the well-known "fattening room" tradition (called Mbobo or Nkuho). Before marriage, young women spend weeks or months in seclusion. They are fed rich foods and kept from hard labour. Plumpness symbolised beauty, health, prosperity and readiness for marriage. The Efik are the people most famously linked to this practice. The Ibibio, a neighbouring and culturally related group, have a similar tradition, which is where the confusion comes from.

Step-by-step elimination:

• A. Mauritania: This is a country in West Africa with its own fattening tradition (leblouh), but it is not a Nigerian tribe. The question asks for a Nigerian tribe, so it is out.
• B. Efik: A Nigerian group famous for the fattening room tradition, so it fits.
• C. Ibibio: They have related customs, but the practice is most strongly and widely associated with the Efik. It is the closest distractor.
• D. Urhobo: A Niger Delta group, not known for this practice.

Answer: The Efik, which is option B.

Exam tip: Watch for the qualifier "Nigerian" in the question. It removes Mauritania, a trap option. Then link "fattening room" with Efik (Calabar) for quick recall.