After two years of preparation, the highly anticipated Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival is set to debut as a signature annual cultural event in Owerri, Imo State, from January 3 to 4, 2026, with the full endorsement of the Imo State Government.
The endorsement was confirmed in an official letter issued on Thursday by the Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Mr. Jerry Egemba, who praised the initiative for aligning with the government’s vision.
> “The festival aligns with the ministry’s commitment to promoting tourism, culture, and hospitality as drivers of economic growth and social cohesion,” Egemba stated.
“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.”
The festival is being organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) Nigeria, in partnership with Culinary & Culture Africa Ltd.
Speaking about the festival’s broader significance, IHTEF Founder and Executive Director, Mr. Chibuikem Diala, emphasized that the event is far more than a food fair.
> “The festival is not just about food; it’s about cultural pride, tourism promotion, and economic empowerment,” he said.
“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-led SMEs, FMCGs, and hospitality businesses across the value chain.”
Diala described the 2026 Ofe Owerri Festival as a landmark cultural and gastronomic event, uniquely blending heritage, hospitality, and culinary diplomacy.
He noted that the festival is being supported by a diverse network of partners including top hospitality brands, beverage companies, tourism agencies, cultural groups, diaspora organizations, and development partners.
> “The festival seeks to foster cross-cultural exchange, attract the diaspora, and spotlight Nigeria’s culinary heritage on the global stage,” he added.
Diala called on the media, development partners, tourism stakeholders, and the general public to support the festival and be part of a cultural movement that seeks to “tell Nigeria’s culinary story to the world through the Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival.”
NAN
