The Imo Government has endorsed the Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival, an annual cultural celebration in Owerri, Imo, scheduled to take place from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2026.
The Imo Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, gave the endorsement when the Convener of the festival, Mr Chibuikem Diala and his planning team paid her a visit in Owerri, on Tuesday.
Our correspondent reports that the festival is organized by International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF),Nigeria, in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa Ltd.
Ekomaru said that the initiative was well timed as the state Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma had done a lot to sustain tourism and safety in recent times.
Ekomaru, an expert nutritionist, described the festival as a “welcome development which is expected to attract fun and revenue to the state”.
She thanked Diala for his hard-work and mental acuity which birthed the initiative and pledged the state government’s support for the festival and other tourism initiatives in the state.
“ I have always known the convener to be a hardworking person and he has just shown that by bringing this cultural initiative at the right time.
“ Our amiable Governor has eased the tourism business in Imo by improving security, constructing and reconstructing major roads and inland roads across the state.
“ This is a welcome development and I have no doubt that it will further reinforce our dear Imo state as a tourist destination “, she said.
Speaking, Diala, the Founder & Executive Director of IHTEF, thanked the state government for their support , while assuring Imo residents that the festival will not only drive tourism traffic, but provide the opportunity for a “detty December “.
“ The Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival, having been endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, promises to provide a mix of food culture and dance, as well as economic opportunities.
“ By attracting both local and international visitors, we are positioning Imo state as a hub for culinary tourism, while creating opportunities for farmers, food vendors, youth SMEs, FCMGs, and hospitality businesses across the value chain “, he said.
Our correspondent recalls that the festival has also been endorsed by the Imo Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Mr Jerry Egemba in a statement, on Sept. 25, 2025.
“The festival aligns with the ministry’s commitment to promoting Tourism, Culture and Hospitality as drivers of economic growth and social cohesion.
“By celebrating Ofe Owerri, the king of soups as a cultural symbol, this event reinforces our identity, showcases our heritage and positions Imo as a proud custodian of Igbo culinary excellence,” Egemba said.