How Oríkì is telling Nigeria’s story through food, culture

By Adebowale Johnson

A vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and culinary innovation is set to captivate the world this December as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in collaboration with Novarosta, launches ORÍKÌ, a groundbreaking global cultural and culinary experience celebrating African excellence.

Scheduled for December 6, 2025, at Abuja’s iconic Eagle’s Square, Oriki promises to gather culinary visionaries, cultural leaders, international investors, and artists from across Africa and the diaspora for a landmark event that spotlights Nigeria’s rich heritage and culinary prowess.

Rooted deeply in the Yoruba tradition of praise poetry, Oríkì has long been a powerful celebration of identity, pride, and purpose. This ancient art resonates throughout Nigeria’s diverse ethnic tapestry, known as Aha Otuto by the Igbo, Kirari by the Hausa, and Eré by the Itsekiri people. For the first time ever, Oriki elevates this oral tradition into an immersive multisensory experience.

Attendees will be treated to a spectacular fusion of storytelling, music, and gourmet cuisine, showcasing indigenous recipes alongside modern reinterpretations of local flavors. This cultural performance aims not only to entertain but to demonstrate how Nigeria’s heritage fuels creativity, ignites tourism, and unlocks new economic opportunities on a global scale.

Oriki is more than a cultural festival; it is a strategic initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting NIHOTOUR’s vision to use cultural assets for economic diversification and youth empowerment. Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, emphasizes the transformative power of this initiative:

“Through Oríkì, Nigeria’s cultural soul becomes a global experience,  connecting our traditions with opportunity, creativity with commerce.”

Novarosta’s executive team echoes this vision: “This is a bridge that links food, art, and hospitality to forge new pathways for trade, education, and cultural tourism worldwide.”

The event’s programme includes live Oríkì performances, culinary exhibitions, and regional food pavilions featuring Nigeria’s diverse states. It also introduces NIHOTOUR’s new Cultural Gastronomy Investment series, aimed at attracting domestic and international investors into Nigeria’s expanding hospitality and tourism sectors.

Since its establishment in 1987 under the Federal Ministry of Tourism, NIHOTOUR has remained Nigeria’s leading authority on professional training, certification, and policy development in hospitality and tourism, now spearheading initiatives like ORÍKÌ to position Nigeria firmly on the world stage.

As Oriki makes its debut on the global cultural calendar, it stands as a proud testament to Nigeria’s vibrant heritage, innovative spirit, and boundless potential in the emerging African culinary tourism frontier.