“Ma Alata” – a pepper seller often patronised by the “Alases”, a group of women in the Yoruba culture who serve as caterers during big feasts, weddings, birthday celebrations and other festivals.  In contemporary times, they have been popularised as stop gaps for families who need their services for very big occasions to cook and provide an assortment of foods and other delicacies. This culture has made its way into other cultures in Nigeria, especially in the Southwest, South-south and Southeast of Nigeria. Adekusibe gives a clear impression of what the “Ma Alata”  (lady pepper seller) does in a typical marketplace.