Imo State government has endorsed Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival, a two-day annual cultural celebration in Owerri scheduled to hold on January 3, 2026.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru gave the endorsement when the convener of the festival, Mr Chibuikem Diala and his team paid her a courtesy visit, Tuesday.
The festival is being planned by International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum, IHTEF, Nigeria, in collaboration with Culinary & Culture Africa Ltd.
Ekomaru said the initiative was well timed, as Governor Hope Uzodinma had done a lot to sustain tourism and safety in recent times.
The deputy governor described the festival as a welcome development expected to attract fun and revenue to the state.
She thanked Diala for his hardwork and mental acuity that gave birth to the initiative and pledged the state government’s support for the festival and other tourism initiatives.
“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 reinforce our dear Imo as a tourist destination,” she said.
Speaking, Diala thanked the state government for its support and assured residents that the festival would not only drive tourism traffic, but also 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 local and international visitors, we are positioning Imo 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.
