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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has said that more than 156 types of delicacies would be showcased at the 2025 Food Festival, scheduled to hold from November 18 to 22 in Uyo.
Some of the foods expected at the food festival include Afang, garri, cocoyam, Ndise, Ekpang Nkukwo, Otor Iwa, Anyan Ekpang, Afia efere , Edikang Ikong, Edita Iwa, Ukana, Oto mboro and Ikpong, among others
Addressing a press conference in Uyo to unveil the 2025 edition of the food fiesta, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, said the festival would boost tourism in the state.
“The Arise Agenda of Governor Umo Eno in tourism sector will bring together all the cuisines in the state
“The food festival will expose Akwa Ibom’s rich cuisines for tourists, and in turn, motivate farmers to grow our local crops.”
The Coordinator and Convener of the food fiesta under the brand name of De-Noahua Enterprise, Mr. Ukpong Umoh, said the theme of the Food Festival is “Optimizing Our Cuisines, Tourism, Taste and Economy,” adding that the brand is capable of changing the status quo in the food and agro-allied industry of the state.
He observed that shortage of food supply experienced both locally and nationally is caused by relegation of local cuisines, disconnect between local food processing companies and local farmers, as well as lack of compliance of local farmers and chefs with global policies and best practices.
“As a result of these observed indices, players in the food industry have turned to promoting foreign suppliers and cuisines recipes at the expense of the opportunities made available to us by our indigenous contents. Umoh stated that the festival would attract over five million people and enjoined all local government areas in the state to bring their local foods.
“The scope of this edition is to host five million people. All corporate stakeholders are expected to mobilise their ideas, employees, business allies, while the local communities are expected to bring their constituencies to the event.”
