The convener of the first Nigerian Food, Culture Festival, Jude Uwagbai Irabor, has revealed that the national initiative will highlight the convergence of Nigeria’s culture, commerce and creativity.
According to Irabor, the first Nigerian Foods and Culture Festival (NFCF) is tagged, ‘Proudly Nigerian, celebrated globally’ in an integrated celebration designed to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through food, music, art, fashion, sports and technology.
“Be it our food, literature, music, fashion, sports or industry, our Nigerianness is being celebrated globally. NFCF is a dedicated space to celebrate that excellence at home,” he said, revealing that the theme of the festival was inspired by the growing global recognition of Nigerian creativity and talent.
According to the organisers, NFCF represents more than just a festival – it is a platform for young Nigerians to express creativity, connect with opportunities and celebrate excellence. “The festival embodies our vision of merging culture, commerce and creativity to tell Nigeria’s story to the world.”
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, officially unveiled the national program at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja following the approval of the National Economic Council (NEC).
Scheduled from 16-17 December, 2025 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Onikan, Lagos, the NFCF aims to bring together Nigerian families, entertainment lovers and culture enthusiasts to celebrate the diversity, unity and creative excellence of the country.
Communications Officer of the festival, Ada Onuorah, said the event will provide a unique opportunity for people – especially children, young adults and tourists – to explore the different cultural aspects of Nigeria.
He said the festival will create vast opportunities for partnerships, networking and socioeconomic development while serving as a catalyst for community development and national integration. “It is an opportunity for people to experience and explore different cultural aspects of Nigeria.”
Onuorah also revealed that the two-day food and culture festival will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily, featuring exhibitions, live performances and cultural performances nationwide. He said that a major highlight of the Mahotsav will be the training and empowerment of selected youth in six geo-political zones of the country in areas like fashion, culinary arts and apparel-making by Wealthhead Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.
