Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival wins Imo Government’s support as the state pledges to boost tourism, culture, and economic growth in 2026

The Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival has received a major boost as the Imo State Government formally endorsed the 2-day cultural and culinary celebration set to take place in Owerri on January 3 and 4, 2026.

Also read: African Food & Drinks Festival Returns to Lagos

The Imo Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, announced the government’s endorsement when she received the festival’s convener, Chibuikem Diala, and his team in Owerri on Tuesday.

The festival, organised by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa Ltd, promises to spotlight Imo’s rich culinary heritage while driving tourism and local enterprise.

Describing the initiative as “timely and exciting”, Ekomaru commended the organisers for their vision and pledged the state’s full support for the event.

“This is a welcome development expected to attract fun, tourism, and revenue to the state,” she said. “Our amiable governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, has done a lot to boost tourism and safety in Imo through road construction, infrastructure renewal, and improved security.”

Ekomaru, a trained nutritionist, praised Diala’s creativity and hard work in conceptualising the festival, describing it as a powerful cultural statement that would reinforce Imo’s image as a safe and vibrant tourist destination.

In his response, Chibuikem Diala, who also serves as the Founder and Executive Director of IHTEF, thanked the government for its support and reaffirmed that the festival would be a celebration of food, culture, and entrepreneurship.

“The Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival is designed to attract local and international visitors while promoting culinary tourism,” Diala explained.

“It will create opportunities for farmers, youth entrepreneurs, food vendors, SMEs, and hospitality businesses across the value chain.”

He added that the festival—already endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN)—would offer a ‘detty December’ experience that blends entertainment, culture, and economic opportunity.

Also commenting, the Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Mr. Jerry Egemba, said the festival aligns with the ministry’s drive to promote tourism and cultural pride as tools for economic growth and social unity.

“By celebrating Ofe Owerri—the king of soups—as a cultural symbol, we reinforce our identity, showcase our heritage, and position Imo as a custodian of Igbo culinary excellence,” Egemba noted.

The Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival is expected to feature cooking showcases, local delicacies, dance performances, and exhibitions highlighting Imo’s vibrant food culture.

Also read: Lagos launches seafood festival to boost maritime economy

With the state’s endorsement, organisers say preparations are in full swing for what is set to become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated culinary tourism events.