Firewood Jollof Festival 2.0 set for November in Lagos, celebrating Nigeria’s food heritage and uniting Africa through the love of Jollof

Organisers of the Firewood Jollof Festival have announced that the second edition of the much-loved culinary and cultural event will take place on 29 November 2025 at Samui Okola Park, Lagos, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Themed “Unifying African Jollof,” this year’s edition aims to celebrate Nigeria’s rich food heritage while promoting African unity through the continent’s most iconic dish — Jollof rice.

In a statement, Chizoma Chukwueke, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Firewood Jollof, said the festival had grown beyond a food event into a cultural movement connecting Africans and the diaspora through shared culinary traditions.

“The inspiration behind Firewood Jollof is how our mothers cooked it when we were growing up,” she said. “That smoky, earthy taste from the firewood is part of our heritage. We’re here to preserve the original essence of this iconic dish.”

Describing this year’s edition as “bigger, better, and more immersive,” Chukwueke said Firewood Jollof 2.0 would bring together chefs from across Africa to prepare a special creation called West African Jollof — a symbolic blend of flavours and techniques from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya.

“We’re going to have chefs from across Africa come together to create something truly symbolic — a Jollof that embodies the spirit of African unity,” she added.

The festival will feature celebrity appearances, live music performances, cooking competitions, a children’s fun zone, and various experience areas powered by brand partners.

Access Bank is the official sponsor for the 2025 edition, supported by Devon Kings Oil, MTN Nigeria, and Nestlé Pure Life.

Chukwueke praised Access Bank for championing small and medium enterprises. “This festival provides a platform for small businesses to showcase their products, connect with customers, and generate revenue. Access Bank is holding our hands through it all,” she said.

According to Chibuzor Chukwueke, Marketing Director of Firewood Jollof, the festival also drives food tourism and entrepreneurship. “Last year, we had about 35 small-scale businesses participate. This year, we’re looking to double that number,” he said. “When small businesses network and grow, they contribute directly to Nigeria’s economy.”

He added that organisers expect over 20,000 attendees and participation from top chefs across West Africa. There are also plans to take the festival beyond Lagos in the coming year. “Next year, we’re going interstate — and with the right partnerships, maybe even to another African country, or London,” he revealed.

Voke Emeje, Assistant Brand Manager at Devon Kings, said the collaboration reflects the brand’s ethos. “Firewood Jollof is about uniting people through food, and that aligns perfectly with our brand positioning — Taste That Binds,” she noted.

Emeje added that Devon Kings will create an engaging experience at the festival with product sampling, games, and giveaways. “There’ll be food, prizes, and lots of fun. We want everyone to feel nourished, both physically and emotionally,” she said.

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Debuting in 2024, the Firewood Jollof Festival continues to position Nigerian cuisine as a symbol of unity, heritage, and creativity across Africa.