Another cultural rendezvous begins in Owerri next week when the curtains opens on the maiden Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival.
Convener, Chibuikem Diala, said the festival aims to position local cuisine as a viable component of Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy. He added that it will also support local food value chains and strengthen Owerri’s profile as a hospitality and cultural destination.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ofe Owerri is one of Nigeria’s most expensive soups. It is prepared with assorted cow meat, snails, dried fish and stock fish, and is often described as a soup reserved for the wealthy.
The festival is scheduled to take place at the Heartland Resort, Owerri, from 1:00 pm. It is organised by the International Hospitality Tourism & Eco-Sustainability Forum in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa.
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Diala said the festival will bring together stakeholders in culture, tourism and hospitality, while promoting indigenous cuisine as a driver of tourism and economic growth.
“The Ofe Owerri initiative is designed to move indigenous food beyond celebration into economic relevance. Ofé Owerri is a local delicacy that carries national meaning. Beyond celebration, the festival is about positioning indigenous cuisine as a serious tourism and economic asset capable of driving destination appeal, hospitality growth and value creation,” he said.
He added that traditional rulers from Owerri Municipal, led by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Possible Uche, are expected at the event to reinforce the cultural and historical significance of the dish.
The convener said the festival has received formal endorsements from the Imo Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, led by the Commissioner, Mr Ernest Ibejiako. It has also been endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, the Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria, tourism professionals, policymakers and private sector stakeholders.
Diala further said corporate support includes Guinness, Frutta Juice, Campari and Mangero, with brand participation featuring tasting sessions and experiential activations.
Activities lined up for the festival include cooking demonstrations, food tastings, cultural storytelling, competitions and entertainment.
NAN
