The lively city of Owerri, the capital of Imo State, is already making its way into the Nigerian tourism scorecard with the successful introduction of the Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival. The festival was held on January 3, 2026, and it not just displayed the area’s opulent culinary heritage but also placed local food as key factors in the rise of tourism, the state’s hospitability and the overall economic development of the region.
The festival, which was hosted at the renowned Hearthland Resort, was organised by the International Hospitality Tourism & Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) in partnership with Culinary & Culture Africa. The objective of the event was to elevate Ofe Owerri, a local delicacy, and beverages as central components of Nigeria’s growing tourism and creative economy. According to Chibuikem Diala, the convener and executive director of IHTEF, the festival aims to demonstrate the economic and tourism potential of indigenous cuisine by transforming it from a cultural celebration into an economic driver.
As one of the main attractions of the festival, Ofe Owerri was presented not just as a cherished dish, but as an asset capable of stimulating the hospitality sector in Imo State. Diala emphasised the importance of food in driving the tourism sector. The festival successfully integrated cultural storytelling, cooking demonstrations, and food tastings, where visitors could experience the authentic flavours of the region. This direct engagement with food not only attracts tourists but also strengthens the local food value chain, creating economic opportunities for local farmers, food producers, and chefs.
With increasing global interest in culinary tourism, Imo State is now positioning itself as a new gastronomic hub in Nigeria, where the combination of local food culture and hospitality offers unique, immersive travel experiences. The festival is poised to make Imo a go-to destination for food lovers, with food festivals like this one giving tourists a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and history.
The success of the festival has been attributed to its ability to showcase Owerri’s potential as a hospitality and cultural destination. The event saw the participation of not only tourism and hospitality professionals but also traditional rulers, with the Chairman of Owerri Municipal, Eze Possible Uche, attending the festival to underline the importance of preserving and promoting local traditions. The inclusion of government officials from the Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture further highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism development.
The participation of government officials, including Governor Hope Uzodinma, demonstrated the alignment of the state’s leadership with the festival’s goals. With the backing of the Imo State Government and formal endorsements from national tourism bodies like the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria (APCN), the festival has gained significant credibility within the tourism sector.
Corporate participation has also been a key success factor for the festival. Brands such as Guinness, Frutta Juice, Campari, and Mangero lent their support to the event, with activities ranging from tasting sessions to experiential activations. These collaborations have provided festival-goers with a more interactive experience, promoting brands while showcasing the rich tastes and beverages of the region. The synergy between the tourism and corporate sectors has fostered a strong partnership that will likely drive future events and tourism initiatives in Imo State.
One of the highlights of the festival was the cooking demonstrations where renowned chefs from across the country showcased their skills. The presence of these culinary experts served as a reminder of the growing food tourism scene in Nigeria, and how it is contributing to the overall growth of the tourism industry. The event also featured cultural performances and competitions, keeping the festive spirit alive and ensuring that the festival offered a full range of experiences to all attendees.
The success of the ‘Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival’ demonstrates how culinary tourism can be a powerful tool in driving regional development and diversifying tourism offerings. As more international and domestic tourists look for authentic cultural experiences, food festivals like this one are an excellent way to attract a diverse range of visitors. The festival’s ability to bring together various stakeholder, from chefs and food producers to government officials and corporate sponsors shows that Imo State is on the right path to becoming a major player in Nigeria’s tourism industry.
To sum up, the Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival has been more than an occasion; it has been a local culture’s feast, a driver of economy, and an area for further development of Imo State’s hospitality. The festival, with its high level of success, has already earmarked Owerri as a prime tourist destination for both general and gourmets. The long-term effects of this event are expected to be very beneficial to the tourism sector in the area, thus facilitating job creation, flagging up Imo State, and helping Nigeria to become a major player in the world’s tourism industry.
