Posted by 
Imagine coming back to your dorm room after a long stretch of classes, only to find your cupboard nearly bare. With limited funds left until your next allowance, the prospect of a hearty, affordable meal seems out of reach.
This is the reality many Nigerian university students face – but for over two decades, one brand has been the saving grace in such times of need: Gino Tomato Paste.
Tomato Paste is a staple in the kitchens of Nigerian university students. From the classic Gino Tomato Paste to the flavourful Peppe & Onions paste and the popular Party Jollof, the brand’s diverse product line has become an integral part of the Nigerian student diet.
This brand has become deeply woven into the fabric of student life in Nigeria. Generations of undergraduates have come to rely mostly on their tomato-based products as an economical way to stretch their budgets and create satisfying, nutritious meals.
Whether whipping up a quick stew, adding taste to rice dishes, or preparing the perfect Owambe jollof, Gino Tomato Paste has long been the go-to ingredient for Nigerian students.
The affordability and versatility of Tomato Pastes have made it an indispensable staple in university hostels and off-campus housing across the country. As the cost of living continues to rise, it has helped ensure that even the most cash-strapped students can enjoy flavorful, filling meals.
In a country where the cost of fresh tomatoes and peppers can be prohibitively high, Tomato Paste has emerged as the perfect solution.
“Whenever my sister and I are running low on money, I know we can always rely on tomato pastes to make a delicious and filling meal,” says Olabowale, a Final-year student at the University of Ilorin. “It’s so much more affordable than buying the fresh peppers and tomatoes honestly, and the flavour is just incredible.”
Labo then clarifies, “You know, the Gino brand of Tomato Paste is the one I often use. It’s the best quality and the most cost-effective option for me.”
One of the key advantages of Tomato Paste is its ease of storage compared to fresh tomatoes. Fresh produce can be tricky for students to keep fresh, especially when living in small hostel rooms without access to proper storage like fridges or freezers. But with Tomato Paste, you can just pop a few cans in your cupboard and they’ll stay good for ages.
“Oh, Tomato Pastes have been my absolute saviour over the years,” reminisces Dami, a postgraduate student at the University of Ibadan. “Even back when I was an undergraduate, Gino Tomato Paste was a total lifeline for me. I don’t know how I would have gotten by without it. It’s just so convenient and shelf-stable – I could keep cans of it in my hostel room for months without any issues.”
Dami smiles, “And you know, the brand is still my go-to. It’s the best quality and the most affordable option, even for a postgrad student.
The rising cost of fuel in Nigeria has also made it increasingly difficult and expensive for students to grind their own tomatoes and peppers at grinding machines. The price of fuel and diesel has skyrocketed, causing local pepper grinders in the markets to charge exorbitant fees just to operate their machinery.
“I used to be able to get my tomatoes and peppers ground for such a small amount, but now the pepper grinders are charging an arm and a leg” Labo laments.
The affordability issues extend beyond just the pepper grinders too.”I used to spend so much money on electricity to power my little blender, just to make a simple tomato sauce. And the wear-and-tear on the blender itself was getting ridiculous. It just wasn’t feasible anymore.”
Many students simply can’t afford to buy or operate their blending machines at home, further exacerbating the challenge. “Blenders are just too expensive for most of us students to even consider buying. And the electricity costs to run them? Forget about it – that would eat up our entire grocery budget!”
The Gino Party Jollof, in particular, has been a game-changer for Nigerian students. When they can’t afford to buy all the ingredients for a proper jollof rice, they just use the Party Jollof paste. It gives them that same delicious, aromatic flavour without having to buy all the separate tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It’s a lifesaver when they are short on cash but still want a satisfying, homemade meal.
In addition to the classic tomato paste, Gino offers a range of other products that have become indispensable for Nigerian students. Their Max Bouillon Cubes, Curry Powder, and Thyme add flavour and depth to a variety of dishes, allowing students to create delicious and satisfying meals on a tight budget.
Nigerian students always keep a stash of these products in their dorm rooms, as the bouillon cubes are great for adding flavour to soups and stews, and the curry powder is perfect for spicing up a simple fried rice dish. They are amazed at how much they can do with just a few key ingredients.
Over the years, Gino has been serving Nigerian students. They are committed to providing high-quality, affordable products that empower home cooks to create delicious, flavorful meals. Nigerian students have been a core part of the company’s customer base for decades, and the company is honoured to play a role in helping them navigate the challenges of university life.
For the countless Nigerian university students who have relied on Gino Tomato Paste to fuel their studies and fill their bellies, the brand has become more than just a product – it’s a lifeline. And as the cost of living continues to rise, the brand’s commitment to providing accessible and nutritious options is more crucial than ever.
