An event to showcase and position “Ofe Owerri” and drink, a local cuisine, as a viable component of Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy while supporting local food value chain and strengthening Owerri’s profile as a hospitality destination will be held in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
Chibuikem Diala, the convener and the executive director of International Hospitality Tourism & Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF), said in a release made available to BusinessDay in Owerri.
The “Ofe Owerri Food and Drink” festival, which is organised by the International Hospitality Tourism & Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa will take place at the Hearthland Resort, Owerri, January 3, 2026, Diala said.
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It will assemble stakeholders in culture, tourism and hospitality and promote indigenous cuisine as a driver of tourism and economic growth and move indigenous food beyond celebration into economic relevance.
“The event aims to position local cuisine as a viable component of Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy while supporting local food value chains and strengthening Owerri’s profile as a hospitality and cultural destination.
“Ofé Owerri is a local delicacy that carries national meaning because 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.
“To reinforce the cultural and historical significance of the dish within Owerri heritage, traditional rulers from Owerri Municipal, led by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Possible Uche, are also expected at the event,” he said.
According to him, the festival has received formal endorsements from the Imo State Government, with official invitation to Governor Hope Uzodinma, and the state’s ministry of tourism, hospitality and culture, led by the ministry’s commissioner, Ernest Ibejiako.
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The festival, he informed has also been endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria (APCN), tourism professionals, chefs, policymakers and private sector stakeholders.
He further explained that corporate support for the festival includes Guinness, Frutta Juice, Campari and Mangero, adding that brand participation will feature tasting sessions and experiential activations as well as cooking demonstrations, food tastings, cultural storytelling, competitions and entertainment.
