Lagos residents defied a downpour on Saturday night to attend the 2026 edition of the Knorr Jollof Fest at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The annual culinary festival, the fourth edition sponsored by Unilever Nigeria Plc., attracted thousands of food enthusiasts, chefs, culinary entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s food industry.
Despite the rainfall, the event saw a massive turnout from different parts of Lagos, including Igando, Alakuko, Ikorodu, and neighboring communities, all gathering to celebrate Nigeria’s iconic delicacy, Jollof Rice.
The festival featured masterclasses, food exhibitions, entertainment performances, interactive sessions, and cooking demonstrations showcasing various styles of Jollof Rice, such as Smoky Jollof, Ofada-style Jollof, and Rosto Jollof.
Mrs. Bolanle Kehinde-Lawal, East and West Africa Head of Demand Creation for Foods at Unilever Nigeria Plc., said the festival continues to resonate strongly with Nigerians.
“We bring the Nigerian flavor because of the deep emotional and cultural connection many people have with Jollof Rice,” she said.
Kehinde-Lawal noted that the large turnout despite unfavorable weather reflected the dish’s enduring popularity and the growing influence of food-centered events in uniting communities.
“Nigerians love to have fun. With over 50 percent of the population below 30 years, they want to connect.
Food is the bridge in Nigeria. It’s a passion. People enjoy gathering around food, which is the essence of the Knorr Jollof Fest.
More people are arriving every year. This is the fourth edition, and it keeps improving. We stay close to our consumers,” she added.
Nigerian celebrity chef and CEO of Orchid Bistro in Lagos, popularly known as Dr. Roberts, encouraged participants to change their eating habits.
“We need to improve how we eat, one plate at a time. We aim to make the best Jollof for the world.
Everyone has their Jollof story, and we’re here to celebrate and showcase our rich Nigerian culture and culinary excellence,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of consistency in preparing Jollof rice for events.
“There’s often a challenge in delivering that smoky flavor. We identified this gap, which led us to create the Knorr Party Jollof.”
A first-time attendee, Miss Toluwani Olunloyo, described her experience as worthwhile and memorable.
“Attending the 2026 Knorr Jollof Fest was worth every effort, from braving the rain to spending time and resources here.
The organizers delivered an exciting experience. Beyond the food, the entertainment, cultural displays, and activities made it truly enjoyable,” she said.
Another participant, Miss Aliyah Adebiyi from Alakuko, said the festival offered fun and valuable learning opportunities.
“I’m leaving with practical knowledge on how to improve my Jollof Rice cooking,” she shared.
Miss Bola Abimbola, a Microbiology graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, said the festival highlights the richness and diversity of Nigerian cuisine.
“This is my third time attending the Knorr Jollof Fest. Each edition gets better, and despite the rain, there was so much to learn,” she remarked.
Nigeria’s leading culinary experts, including Chef Dee and Dr. Roberts, were among the facilitators, sharing insights on food preparation, flavor enhancement, and modern culinary trends.
Participants engaged in cooking sessions demonstrating techniques for various Jollof Rice styles, emphasizing creativity, nutrition, and presentation.
The event also featured live music, games, networking, and food-tasting sessions, creating a festive atmosphere of celebration and cultural appreciation.
The Knorr Jollof Fest has become one of Nigeria’s top food festivals, promoting culinary excellence, cultural exchange, and innovation within the country’s growing food and hospitality industry.
