The maiden International Akara Day Festival has been held in Abuja, with organisers using the traditional bean cake to promote Nigerian food culture, support women and youth entrepreneurs and create greater recognition for grassroots food vendors. The festival, held on Monday, September 21, featured cooking showcases, local marketplace activities and indigenous food vendors.
Co-convener Abiodun Macaulay said the initiative was designed to project Nigerian local foods internationally while empowering small-scale traders who contribute to the economy but often receive little recognition or support.
Another co-convener, Patrick Onazi, said the annual celebration, scheduled for Sept. 21, was inspired by the growing popularity of foreign cuisines and the need to promote Nigeria’s own culinary heritage. He said the organisers hoped to expand the festival internationally, including through franchises in different parts of the world.
Participants said the initiative could help preserve indigenous food traditions while creating economic opportunities for women and other grassroots entrepreneurs. Akara vendor Mrs Mallam Habila noted that the festival had increased awareness of the delicacy, particularly among young Nigerians who increasingly prefer modern fast foods.
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