By Victor Nwachukwu
Owerri, Jan. 7, 2026
Guinness, Campari and Frutta, all producers of beverages, on Wednesday, graced the maiden edition of the ‘Ofe Owerri Food and Drink Festival’.
Convener of the festival, Mr. Chibuikem Diala, disclosed this at a news conference, after the night long event on Wednesday in Owerri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Ofe Owerri’ is a rich, traditional Igbo soup with origin from Owerri, the Imo capital.
It is fondly called ‘the rich man’s soup” .
Diala, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) described the support of the notable brands, as an indication that the festival had come to stay.
He commended the brands, which also included Mangero Waters, for their support in enabling him use indigenous food “ to make a statement beyond the pot”.
Diala also lauded the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria (APCN) as well as all Owerri residents, who identified with the maiden event.
“ We are grateful to the Imo state Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture and the Gov. Hope Uzodimma-led government, for creating the enabling environment for the Ofe Owerri festival.
“We have taken record of this maiden edition of the festival and we can assure Nigerians that going forward, more businesses, tourism and other opportunities will be created using the soup pot in future editions,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was also attended by the traditional ruler of Umuororonjo Owerri Autonomous Community, Eze Clinton Nze, who doubles as the apex king of Owerri.
The celebration attracted different culinary groups in their sections and it witnessed live cooking, a cooking competition, dancing, art zones and fanfare amongst other things.
‘NAN reports that ‘Ofe owerri’ is also famous for the variety of rich ingredients and proteins gracing the soup including; dry fishes, assorted meat, snails, vegetables among others.
