By Victor Nwachukwu
After two years of planning, the Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival will debut as an annual cultural celebration in Owerri, Imo, from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2026, having been officially endorsed.
The Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality & Culture, Mr Jerry Egemba, in the official endorsement letter, on Thursday expressed the government’s strong support for the festival.
“The festival aligns with the ministry’s commitment to promoting Tourism, Culture and Hospitality as drivers of economic growth and social cohesion.
“By celebrating Ofe Owerri, the king of soups as a cultural symbol, this event reinforces our identity, showcases our heritage and positions Imo as a proud custodian of Igbo culinary excellence,” Egemba said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is organised by International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF), Nigeria, in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa Ltd.
Mr Chibuikem Diala, Founder & Executive Director of IHTEF, said that the festival was not just about food; but also about cultural pride, tourism promotion, and economic empowerment.
“By attracting both local and international visitors, we are positioning Imo State as a hub for culinary tourism, while creating opportunities for farmers, food vendors, youth SMEs, FCMGs, and hospitality businesses across the value chain.
“The Ofe Owerri Food & Drink Festival 2026 promises to be a landmark international event blending heritage, hospitality, and culinary diplomacy,” he said.
According to him, the festival is backed by a wide network of partners, including leading hospitality brands, beverage companies, tourism operators, cultural associations, diaspora organisations, and development agencies.
“The festival seeks to foster cross-cultural exchange, attract the diaspora, and spotlight Nigeria’s culinary heritage on the global stage,” he said.
He urged the media, tourism promoters, development partners, and the general public to join in making history as Nigeria tells its culinary story to the world through Ofe Owerri Food and Drinks Festival. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika
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