International Akara Day Festival launches in Abuja

The maiden edition of the International Akara Day Festival was held in Abuja to promote Nigerian food culture and support women’s economic empowerment. The event featured cooking showcases, marketplace activities, and programs focused on youth and women entrepreneurship.

Co-conveners Abiodun Macaulay and Patrick Onazi stated the initiative aims to project Nigerian indigenous delicacies, such as the traditional bean cake known as akara, onto a global stage. The organizers noted that while petty traders and akara vendors contribute significantly to the economy, they often lack sufficient recognition and support.

The festival is intended to be an annual event held every September 21. Organizers expressed ambitions to develop the celebration into an international brand with franchises established in various parts of the world to counter the rising popularity of foreign cuisines.