By Innocent Orok
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in partnership with Novarosta, proudly unveiled Oríkì , a world-class cultural and culinary experience designed to showcase Nigeria’s creative excellence and position the country as a global destination for cultural tourism, gastronomy, and creative economy investment.
The grand event, held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Eagle’s Square, Abuja, drew an extraordinary assembly of global partners, government dignitaries, chefs, investors, cultural ambassadors, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and the diaspora — united under the theme: “When Culture Meets Cuisine, the World Connects.”
A CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE, IDENTITY, AND INNOVATION
Rooted in the timeless African art of praise poetry, Oríkì celebrates lineage, excellence, and the human spirit. While most renowned within Yoruba traditions, similar expressions like Aha Otuto (Igbo), Kirari (Hausa), and Eré (Itsekiri) reflect Nigeria’s shared cultural tapestry.
At the Eagle’s Square showcase, Oríkì came alive through a culinary performance of taste, rhythm, and heritage — blending traditional poetry, live music, and haute Nigerian cuisine. The event featured regional food pavilions, fusion gastronomy, and creative reinterpretations of indigenous recipes, offering guests a multisensory journey through Nigeria’s culture of flavour.
THE MINISTER SPEAKS: CULINARY ART AS A BRIDGE OF UNITY
In her special address, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, commended NIHOTOUR for its innovation in blending culture and cuisine as a soft-power tool for national unity and global engagement.
“Culinary art has the power to unite us beyond borders. Through food and culture, we discover our shared humanity, tell our stories, and connect with the world. Oríkì is a profound expression of who we are as Africans — proud, creative, and united by heritage,”she said.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting NIHOTOUR’s efforts in advancing culinary diplomacy, creative enterprise, and cultural innovation as strategic pillars for Nigeria’s economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A NEW ERA OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AND TOURISM INVESTMENT
In his remarks, Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, described Oríkì as a bridge between heritage and opportunity, spotlighting the nation’s cultural assets as engines for investment and employment.
“Through Oríkì, we are transforming Nigeria’s living traditions into global experiences connecting art, culture, and cuisine to drive prosperity and pride. This is how we make hospitality a national export,”he said.
The event also marked the launch of NIHOTOUR’s Cultural Gastronomy Investment Series, a platform aimed at attracting culinary investors, creative industry partners, and international collaborators to scale Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism value chain.
ALIGNING WITH THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA
The Oríkì Experience is a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey to diversify its economy through culture and creativity. It aligns with NIHOTOUR’s Mission 100 Vision — a transformative agenda to build Africa’s most dynamic tourism workforce and position Nigeria as a global leader in hospitality education, cultural promotion, and creative enterprise.
“Culture is the heartbeat of hospitality, and hospitality is the face of Nigeria. Oríkì reflects how both can unite a nation and inspire the world,”
Novarosta Executive Team.
