By Janefrances Chibuzor
Nigeria is preparing for a historic cultural showcase as NovaRosta, a tourism company in partnership with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), launches Tastes of Culture (TOC) Nigeria. The pilot edition, themed the Òríkì Dining Experience, will make its debut on December 6, in Abuja as part of the NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival.
At the centre of the event is a bid to stage the world’s longest dining table and Nigeria’s longest bar, bringing together over 3,000 diners including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers, governors, diplomats, cultural icons, and food enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. The banquet will feature more than 50 Nigerian dishes alongside local beverages and brews, highlighting the nation’s culinary depth.
NovaRosta’s Chief Executive Officer, Geraldine Itoe, described the event as a “one-of-a-kind experience” that offers a multi-sensory journey through Nigeria’s heritage, cuisines, and creativity. She said: “It offers an opportunity to inspire, educate and delight individuals with exceptional, authentic experiences that inspire curiosity, challenge perceptions, and foster inclusivity while creating unforgettable experiences.”
The Òríkì Dining Experience will immerse participants in the pillars of FLAVORS — Food, Lifestyle, Arts, Vibes, Origins, Roots and Sounds — blending gastronomy with cultural performances, trado-cultural experiential booths, live storytelling, re-enactments, and the cutting of a larger-than-life national cake.
NIHOTOUR Director-General, Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, who is championing the initiative as part of the institute’s Public-Private Partnership drive, said the collaboration reflectedNigeria’s determination to position itself as the Culinary Capital of Africa.
READ ALSO: A way out for the North
More than just a feast, the banquet celebrates the Òríkì tradition, which symbolises honour and praise across Nigerian cultures.
It is designed to spotlight Nigerian service excellence, promote local beverage and culinary businesses, and foster unity by bringing communities together around one symbolic table.
Organisers emphasised that the event’s objectives go beyond record-breaking.
It seeks to create a platform for cultural celebration, education, and sustainable innovation, while honouring Nigeria’s legacies and placing its rich heritage on the global stage.
With its fusion of food, culture, and community, Tastes of Culture Nigeria promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, showcasing the nation’s confidence, diversity, and pride to the world.