The inaugural Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival is set to debut in Owerri, Imo State, on January 3–4, 2026. This annual cultural event aims to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the region, particularly the renowned Ofe Owerri soup—a delicacy made with assorted meats, snails, fish, and native vegetables like uziza and oha leaves
Organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) Nigeria in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa Ltd., the festival has received official endorsements from the Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality & Culture and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). The event is designed to promote cultural pride, tourism, and economic empowerment by attracting both local and international visitors. It aims to position 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.
Chibuikem Diala, Founder and Executive Director of IHTEF, emphasized that the festival is more than just a food fair. It seeks to foster cross-cultural exchange, attract the diaspora, and showcase Nigeria’s culinary heritage on the global stage.
The festival is backed by a wide network of partners, including leading hospitality brands, beverage companies, tourism operators, cultural associations, diaspora organizations, and development agencies.
SOURCE: Editor
IMAGE: Online
