The Diary Game:[8/8/2026] The Day I Stopped Eating Suya Without Asking Questions.

Hello my fellow steemians around the world hope you are doing great welcome to another episode of the Diary section with yours truly @jay9345 and today I will be sharing with you a story that made me stop eating suya without asking questions.

It was a cool afternoon when I received a call from someone I deeply respect—a Professor of Animal Science.

He had come to the Federal Polytechnic Idah for an official assignment and asked me to meet him at Jbrownson Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Idah. I didn't waste time. I boarded the next shuttle and headed there.

He had seen some of my agricultural posts on Nairaland months earlier, and over time we had built a good relationship. Every conversation with him felt like a free lecture.

After exchanging greetings, he smiled and said,

«"Ezekiel, let's take a walk around town."»

As we strolled through the streets of Idah, the aroma of freshly roasted suya filled the air.

I couldn't resist.

"Sir, let's eat suya," I said excitedly as I hurried toward the stand.

Then he called me back.

"Ezekiel..."

I turned around.

"Do you know the history of that meat?"

I laughed.

"No sir."

He continued.

"Can you prove the animal was healthy before it was slaughtered?"

I became quiet.

Then he said something that has stayed with me for years.

«"Be careful about what goes into your stomach. Food can either nourish you or expose you to disease."»

He went on to explain that while many meat sellers are honest and follow good practices, consumers cannot always tell where the meat came from or whether it was properly inspected. He told me about a friend's son who contracted anthrax, a serious disease that can spread from infected animals to humans.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people. Humans can become infected by handling or eating meat from infected animals, especially if the meat was not properly inspected or cooked. Although human anthrax is uncommon in many places, outbreaks still occur from time to time when infected livestock enter the food chain.

That conversation changed the way I look at food forever.

I didn't stop because suya is bad.

I stopped buying meat from places where I could not be confident about the source.

Today, whenever I buy meat, I try to choose vendors who obtain their meat from properly inspected animals and maintain good hygiene.

As an agriculturist, I have learned that food safety is just as important as food production.

A few extra minutes spent choosing a trusted source could save you from a lifetime of regret.

Be guided by what goes into your stomach. Your health is your greatest investment.