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The Firewood Jollof Festival will return for its second edition on November 29, 2025, at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing with it a full day of food, music, culture and community engagement inspired by the region’s long-standing culinary heritage. The annual festival, dedicated to celebrating firewood-cooked Jollof rice and the cultures surrounding it, is designed to create a communal experience where people gather not just to eat, but to connect.
The first edition of the festival was held in 2024 and was described by organisers as a turning point in how food festivals are experienced in Lagos. Attendance exceeded expectations, with families, young adults, culinary enthusiasts, food entrepreneurs and cultural performers all sharing the same space. What stood out was not only the food but the sense of togetherness and celebration that came with it. According to the convener and Chief Executive Officer of Firewood Jollof, Chizoma Chukwueke, the idea for the festival emerged from a simple but powerful observation: that Jollof rice has the unique ability to bring people together across backgrounds, generations and borders.
She explained that Jollof is more than a staple dish; it is often present at birthdays, weddings, outdoor gatherings, holidays and celebrations. Many people associate it with family, childhood memories, shared laughter and moments of joy. She said the festival provides a deliberate setting for these memories to continue while also allowing new ones to be created.
Chukwueke said the goal is to build a cultural tradition that people look forward to annually, one where music, storytelling, food and shared space come together to reflect the warmth and spirit of West African life. This year’s theme, Unifying Africa in Jollof, is intended to highlight the shared history and cultural ties between countries across the subregion, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Gambia, all of whom have strong Jollof traditions.
The long-standing debate about which country makes the best Jollof has fueled both humour and rivalry online. However, the festival aims to shift the focus from competition to appreciation. The organisers want visitors to experience the variations in flavour, spice, texture and preparation that make each version culturally unique.
To bring the theme to life, the festival will feature a large live cooking arena where different regional Jollof styles will be prepared using traditional firewood methods. According to the Head of Regional Operations, Sayo Akinwotu, research was carried out to ensure the accuracy of these preparations. She said the team studied cooking techniques, ingredient sourcing and flavour principles in different countries to ensure that what guests will see and taste is authentic rather than a reinterpretation.
Akinwotu said part of the reason firewood cooking is central to the festival is because of the depth of flavour and aroma it produces, which is difficult to replicate through gas or electric cooking. Beyond taste, she said it is also about preserving the cultural act of cooking itself, which in many communities is traditionally done outdoors, in groups, and around shared spaces. She noted that cooking is not only about preparing food but also about bonding, storytelling and tradition.
In addition to the culinary experiences, the festival will include cultural performances, live music, art showcases, children’s play zones, food and lifestyle vendors and group dining spaces where guests can sit together, eat and talk. Organisers say the festival is intentionally designed so that it is not rushed; guests are encouraged to stay, interact and participate.
One of the key focuses this year is support for small and medium-scale food businesses. For many vendors, festivals are one of the few platforms where they can directly meet new consumers, test new products and gain visibility without the barriers associated with large commercial markets. To support this, Access Bank has signed on as the headline sponsor. Chukwueke said Access Bank’s involvement allows vendors to benefit from visibility, commercial support and brand exposure that may otherwise be difficult to secure.
Devon Kings Oil will serve as the silver sponsor, while MTN and Nestlé Pure Life have signed on as bronze sponsors. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) will provide broadcast coverage, helping the festival reach audiences across the country.
According to Marketing Advisor, Chibuzor Chukwueke, the organisers envision the festival becoming a cultural reference point not only in Lagos but across Africa. He explained that the long-term goal is to expand the festival to other West African cities, create a network of culinary and cultural exchanges and position the event as a symbol of shared identity.
He said the festival also has the potential to contribute to tourism and the creative economy by attracting visitors, supporting local vendors, promoting music and cultural performers, and showcasing locally made products.
To ensure the festival remains environmentally responsible, the organisers have partnered with waste management and recycling providers. Recycling stations will be placed around the venue, while vendors will be encouraged to minimise single-use packaging. The cooking zones will also be managed to reduce waste.
The Firewood Jollof Festival will run from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Organisers say guests should come ready to eat, dance and experience the warmth of shared culture.
