Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo has embarked on a fantastic collaboration with Knorr, one of Nigeria’s iconic seasoning brands, celebrating the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the South-East region. This partnership showcased two significant traditions: the August Meeting and the Ofala Festival, activities that highlight the importance of community bonding through food, music, and shared histories.
Known affectionately as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, Okonkwo participated in the August Meeting, a gathering that honors women and their roles as family custodians. Gathering with women from Enugu and surrounding states, she actively engaged in cooking sessions and local market interactions, all designed to celebrate traditional recipes and enhance community spirit. The initiative recognized the pivotal role women play in preserving and sharing culinary traditions.
The August Meeting also welcomed prominent culinary figures such as Chiamaka Nwakalor-Egemba, Onyinye Emechebe, and nutritionist Nancy Umeh. These experts encouraged attendees to cherish indigenous dishes while also embracing healthy cooking practices. The essence of the event underscored the great cultural value placed on communal meals and the collective celebration inherent to Igbo society.
The celebrations continued to Onitsha for the Ofala Festival, which pays tribute to His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha. The 2023 festival, themed Njiko na Ntachi (Unity and Perseverance), offered another delightful opportunity for Okonkwo and Knorr to weave food and cultural expression into community experiences.
At the Ofala Festival, Okonkwo took the lead in communal cooking demonstrations and food-tasting events that resonated with the festival’s royal parades and performances of various age grades. Attendees savored traditional South-Eastern dishes crafted from local ingredients, reinforcing the sense of unity and hospitality celebrated annually.
Dami Dania, Food Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, shared insights on Knorr’s involvement in these festivities, emphasizing the brand’s enduring commitment to culture and community. “At Knorr, we believe food connects people and tells our collective story. We are honored to support the people of the South-East in celebrating their heritage,” she remarked. This sentiment embodies Knorr’s dedication to reinforcing the values of family, unity, and shared experiences that are foundational to Southeastern culture.
In a similar vein, Knorr also celebrated the release of award-winning singer Adekunle Gold’s album, Fuji, through a vibrant event entitled Fuji Reignited. The event took place on October 10, 2025, at The Sphere in Lagos, meshing music, art, and culinary creativity in an unforgettable evening that emphasized the intersection of taste, sound, and culture.
Adekunle Gold’s Fuji album, which pays homage to one of Nigeria’s most beloved musical forms, set the stage for an immersive evening. Live performances of tracks such as Don Corleone, Coco Money, and Many Many People filled the air, celebrating both contemporary and classic favorites like Ogaranya and Pick Up.
The culinary experience curated by Knorr was designed to resonate with the themes of the album, offering guests a taste of Nigerian culture through dishes that reflect the country’s vibrant textures and rhythmic culinary traditions. This unique blend of music and food highlighted the role of Knorr in not just seasoning meals but also enriching the cultural landscapes of Nigerian homes.
Damilola Dania, again emphasizing Knorr’s deep roots within Nigerian households, noted: “Knorr has always been part of our everyday lives, from our kitchens to our celebrations. This collaboration with Adekunle Gold was about celebrating the things that make us who we are: our food, our art, our music, and our culture.” This perspective illustrates how Knorr continues to foster community connections through their initiatives, bringing people together to celebrate the diverse tapestry of Nigerian heritage.