Food seasoning brand Knorr brought a taste of local cuisine and community spirit to the 2026 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, as the ancient kingdom marked 500 years of monarchy under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), the Obi of Onitsha.

The two-day celebration, held on October 16 and 17 at Ime Obi Ezechima Square Stadium, offered the brand an opportunity to connect with festivalgoers through food experiences that celebrated Nigerian flavours, cultural identity and the bonds created by sharing meals.

With the theme “Igba Mbo, Iga Niru – Strive and Advance,” this year’s festival paid tribute to Onitsha’s rich historical heritage while highlighting the community’s aspirations for continued growth and development.

Knorr used its participation to reinforce its “Share the Good” campaign, which promotes food as a means of bringing people together, strengthening relationships and encouraging kindness. Through interactive activities and culinary experiences, the brand highlighted the role of familiar local dishes in preserving traditions and creating lasting memories.

A major attraction at the festival was the Knorr Village Market, where attendees sampled a variety of dishes, including smoky jollof rice prepared with the recently launched Knorr Smokey Party Jollof Seasoning and Ofe Onugbu, a traditional Anambra delicacy served with Akpu.




The food experience allowed visitors to enjoy popular Nigerian meals while exploring the distinctive smoky flavour of the new jollof seasoning. Festivalgoers also had the opportunity to purchase Knorr products and receive rewards as part of the brand’s on-ground engagement.

Another highlight was a live cooking competition moderated by Knorr brand collaborator Chiamaka Nwakalor-Egemba, popularly known as Chef Amaka. The contest featured two teams preparing traditional native dishes using Knorr seasoning cubes.

Attendees sampled the competing dishes and participated in the judging process, while Chef Amaka selected the winning team, which received Knorr-branded merchandise.

The competition added an interactive dimension to the festivities, encouraging appreciation for traditional cooking while demonstrating how seasoning can complement familiar recipes.

Through its presence at the 2026 Ofala Festival, Knorr celebrated the relationship between food, cultural heritage and community life. From the Village Market’s food sampling to the cooking competition, the brand created opportunities for visitors to enjoy local delicacies, explore new flavours and celebrate Onitsha’s enduring traditions.

The participation also reflected the message of the “Share the Good” campaign: that food goes beyond nourishment, serving as a powerful way to foster togetherness, celebrate shared identity and strengthen community connections.