A’Ibom worries about declining popularity, consumption of local cuisines

Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed concern over the low patronage of local cuisines in the state.

The convener of the Akwa Ibom Food Festival 2025, Mr Ukpong Umoh, stated this while addressing a press conference in Uyo on Thursday with the theme “Optimising Our Cuisines, Tourism, Taste and Economy.”

Umoh expressed confidence that the collaboration with Noahua Tourism Enterprise would change the status quo in the food and agro-allied industry of the state.

He said observations have shown that the shortage of food supply experienced both locally and nationally is a result of the relegation of local cuisines and a disconnect between local food processing companies and local farmers, among others.

According to him, “As a result of these observed indices, players in the food industry have turned to promoting foreign suppliers and cuisine recipes at the expense of the opportunities made available to us by our indigenous contents.”

He said, however, that the collaboration between De Noahua Tourism Enterprise and the Ministry of Culture will serve as a bridge to restore the lost connection between local food processing companies and local farmers and promote local cuisines in the state.

To this end, De Noahua Tourism Enterprise, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through this brand, Akwa Ibom Food Festival, seeks to serve as a bridge to restore the lost connection between local food processing companies and local farmers and promote indigenous cuisines in the state.”

He said several cuisines would be showcased at the 2025 Food Festival scheduled to be held from November 18 to 22, 2025, 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, Ikpong, among others.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr Anietie Udofia, while unveiling the food festival, said the initiative will boost tourism in the state.

“The Arise Agenda of Governor Umo Eno in the tourism sector will bring together all the cuisines in the state. The food festival will expose Akwa Ibom’s rich cuisines to tourists and will, in turn, motivate farmers to grow our local crops,” he said.

culled from punch