23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The Groundnut Offering

Stranded on a highway in Benin City after our bus broke down, frustration began to set in. To lift the mood, this young traveler reached out with a warm smile and a single peanut (groundnut). In Nigeria, sharing food—no matter how small—is a profound act of communal bonding. This simple gesture turned a moment of stress into one of connection.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Benin, Nigeria
Camera: NIKON D3400
Copyright: © Adeboye Malumi