Nigerian writer and social commentator Solomon Buchi has once again stirred up a wave of laughter and online reflection after sharing an unusual photo on social media—a missing chicken poster spotted in England offering a £50 reward for the safe return of the bird. With his trademark wit and cultural lens, Buchi captioned the image simply: “White problems,” igniting a humorous yet thought-provoking conversation on privilege, priorities, and the sometimes stark differences between Western and African life experiences.

The poster, neatly printed and pinned to a community notice board in what appears to be a quiet British suburb, features a large photo of a chicken named “Betsy.” According to the details, Betsy had wandered off from her owner's backyard and had not been seen in over 24 hours. In bold letters, the poster pleads for help locating the beloved pet and promises a £50 cash reward to anyone who returns her safely.

Solomon Buchi, known for his unapologetic takes on socio-cultural issues, couldn’t resist the irony. The post quickly gained traction online, racking up thousands of likes, retweets, and quote replies. Nigerians and other Africans jumped into the comment section with jokes, memes, and personal anecdotes, many expressing disbelief at what they considered a “luxury problem.”

“Missing chicken in England attracts a reward. In Nigeria, a missing chicken is already pepper-soup,” one user wrote, while another quipped, “£50 for a chicken that can be bought for £5? Bros, even the chicken sef no wan come back.”

The phrase “White problems” itself has become a kind of shorthand in African digital spaces to describe issues that seem trivial or absurd in contrast to the often harsh realities of life in developing countries. From debates about dogs wearing designer clothes to arguments over gluten-free desserts, these so-called “first world problems” tend to highlight the wide gap in societal priorities. And once again, Solomon Buchi’s post has brought that dichotomy to center stage—this time through the lens of poultry.

But beneath the jokes and the viral banter lies a deeper truth that many commentators pointed out. In parts of the world where basic amenities like electricity, water, and security remain elusive luxuries, the idea of publicly mourning a chicken with posters and a cash reward can be baffling. Chickens, in many African homes, are seen primarily as livestock—not pets. They are bought to be eaten or sold. The emotional attachment, while not unheard of, is rare and certainly not expressed with the level of public urgency demonstrated in the poster.

Yet, that’s exactly why this small event is so fascinating. It provides a snapshot of cultural difference, showing how one society might place sentimental value on something others see as purely functional. For the chicken owner in England, Betsy might represent more than just a bird—perhaps a symbol of comfort, companionship, or routine. In a country where loneliness is a growing issue, especially among older adults, it’s not far-fetched to imagine a person forging a genuine bond with a feathered friend.

Still, for many Africans who have grown up with entirely different challenges, such a bond seems laughable. As one Twitter user humorously asked, “If dem see poster like this for Oshodi, who dem go arrest first? The owner or the poster?”

Solomon Buchi’s knack for finding humor in cultural contrasts is part of what has made him one of the most talked-about voices on social media in recent years. He often treads the line between comedy and critique, using seemingly minor incidents to spark wider conversations about values, privilege, and worldview. His latest post may be about a chicken, but the broader message is about perspective.

The virality of the photo is also a reminder of how interconnected the world has become. A small, local event in rural England can now become a source of global conversation within hours. It also speaks to the power of storytelling—how something as simple as a missing animal can reflect the complexities of race, class, and culture, especially when filtered through the eyes of a sharp observer like Buchi.

Back in the UK, it remains unclear whether Betsy the chicken has been found. The owners have yet to make any public statement, and the original poster has not been updated with any new information. But in the meantime, Betsy has become something of an internet celebrity—albeit unintentionally—thanks to Buchi’s keen eye and perfectly-timed commentary.

For many Nigerians, the post was a much-needed comic relief amid the country’s own turbulent headlines. In a time when economic hardship, insecurity, and political drama dominate the news, a story about a missing chicken and a £50 reward was just the kind of absurdity that could bring people together, if only to laugh.

“It’s funny because it’s true,” another user commented. “In Nigeria, your neighbor go swear say na you thief the chicken. No be poster you go see, na fight.”

Some, however, saw the post as an opportunity for deeper reflection. A few users noted that while it’s easy to laugh, the differences in response to such situations point to larger systemic issues. “The fact that someone can afford to spend time and money looking for a chicken says a lot about what kind of society they live in. That’s not their fault—it’s privilege,” wrote one user.

In the end, whether you see it as hilarious or thought-provoking, Solomon Buchi’s post did exactly what it was meant to do—it sparked conversation. And in a world where attention spans are short and opinions fly faster than facts, that’s no small feat.

So, to Betsy the chicken, wherever you are: may you be safe, loved, and possibly unaware of your internet fame. And to Solomon Buchi—thanks for reminding us, once again, that humor is often the sharpest lens through which we view society. Even if that lens, this time, is focused on a missing hen with a price tag.