The highly anticipated second edition of the Firewood Jollof Festival is set to take centre stage at Muri-Okunola Park, Lagos, on November 29, 2025, promising a vibrant showcase of African culinary heritage, food innovation, and cultural exchange.
Organized by Firewood Jollof Nigeria, the festival aptly themed “Unifying African Jollof” builds on the success of its inaugural edition last year, which drew thousands of food lovers, chefs, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country. The 2025 edition aims to go a step further by promoting unity through one of West Africa’s most iconic dishes: Jollof rice.
The festival will feature a variety of activities including live cooking demonstrations, music and entertainment, interactive food experiences, and for the first time, a “West African Jollof” collaboration; a signature dish combining key ingredients and cooking influences from Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya. The initiative seeks to highlight the shared culinary identity that connects African nations, while celebrating their unique regional variations.
Chief Executive Officer of Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Chizoma Chukwueke, explained that the event is more than a food festival; it’s a cultural preservation project that pays homage to traditional methods of cooking Jollof over firewood.
“Firewood Jollof 2.0 is about celebrating African unity through one of our most loved dishes,” Chukwueke said. “We started this journey last year to remind people of our culinary roots and to preserve the authentic firewood cooking tradition that defines our heritage.”
Chukwueke added that the festival has evolved significantly since its inception, thanks to the growing interest from partners and sponsors who believe in the vision. The 2025 edition has attracted strong corporate backing from Access Bank (Official Sponsor), Devon Kings Oil (Silver Sponsor), MTN Nigeria, and Nestlé Pure Life.
According to Marketing Advisor, Chibuzor Chukwueke, this year’s event will offer an enhanced experience for attendees, focusing on both cultural immersion and entertainment. The team, he noted, has implemented new structures and partnerships to elevate the festival to international standards.
Head of Regional Operations, Feyisayo Akiwotu, emphasized the festival’s continued commitment to sustainability and authenticity, stating that the use of firewood in cooking remains central to the brand’s identity.
Industry thought leader and founder of Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu, who has been part of the festival since its debut, commended the organizers for creating an event that bridges culture, community, and creativity. He described last year’s edition as “energetic and impactful” and predicted that this year’s would be “bigger, better, and richer in experience.”
Since its inception, Firewood Jollof Festival has sought to preserve African storytelling and communal traditions through food. From live performances to the smoky aroma of Jollof cooked over wood fires, the event has grown into one of Nigeria’s most anticipated cultural showcases; an authentic celebration of taste, tradition, and togetherness.
COMMENTS