Jollof Festival deepens African unity

Jollof rice

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Organisers of the Firewood Jollof Festival 2025 have pushed a message of cultural unity and collaboration across Africa following its recently held event, which drew thousands of food lovers, creatives and tourists to Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, themed ‘Unifying African Jollof’, brought together chefs from Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, offering guests an immersive culinary tour of West Africa. Organisers said the 2025 edition shifted attention from rivalry to cultural harmony, with Jollof rice used as the festival’s symbol of shared identity.

Organisers noted in a statement that the festival, launched in 2024, has grown from a local food showcase into a major cultural movement. It now attracts chefs, artisans, celebrities and visitors from across Africa and beyond.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Chizoma Chukwueke, stated that the platform had become a vehicle for tourism and small business growth.

She said, “Firewood Jollof is more than a food festival. It is a platform that drives local business and tourism. Last year, we supported small vendors and attracted about 10,000 visitors. This year, we have surpassed that expectation from the crowd we see.”

The Head of Regional Branch Operations at Firewood Jollof, Feyisayo Akeotu, also noted that the festival celebrated collaboration, not competition.

She stated, “We are showcasing four different Jollofs, all prepared by their various country chefs. Rather than competing, we are collaborating as Africans, hence the theme Unifying African Jollof. This year, we have gone beyond Jollof to accommodate fashion, technology, music, and others.”The 12-hour event, held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., featured food exhibitions, live music, fashion shows, art displays and traditional African games.

Musicians performed throughout the day, keeping the crowd energised until closing time.The festival also enjoyed strong corporate backing. Access Bank returned as lead sponsor, while MTN, Nestlé and Devon King’s Oil supported the event. Assistant Brand Manager for Devon King’s, Voke Emeje, said the company aligned with the festival’s message of unity.

He said, “Devon King’s is a taste that binds. We go beyond nourishment to bring people together through delicious dishes, and this festival reflects that spirit.”Celebrities and food influencers added colour to the celebration, including Sisi Yemi, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Shina Peters, Tomilke, Chef Tolu and Diary of a Kitchen Lover, who mingled with fans and joined tasting sessions.With record numbers, wider continental participation and overwhelmingly positive reviews, organisers said the 2025 edition had set a new benchmark. They added that preparations were already underway for an expanded 2026 festival.

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