Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo has joined forces with Knorr, one of Nigeria’s best-known seasoning brands, to celebrate the cultural vibrancy and culinary heritage of the South-East. Their collaboration highlighted two of the region’s most cherished traditions—the August Meeting and the Ofala Festival—bringing communities together through food, music, and shared heritage.
Fondly called Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, Okonkwo joined women across Enugu and neighbouring states during this year’s August Meeting to honour their role as custodians of family and tradition. Working alongside Knorr, she led interactive cooking sessions and local market engagements aimed at celebrating home-grown recipes and strengthening communal bonds.
The gatherings also featured culinary figures such as Chiamaka Nwakalor-Egemba, Onyinye Emechebe, and nutritionist Nancy Umeh, who encouraged women to preserve indigenous dishes while embracing healthy cooking practices. The initiative underscored the deep cultural value attached to shared meals and collective celebration in Igbo society.
The festivities later moved to Onitsha, where Okonkwo and Knorr participated in the Ofala Festival, held in honour of His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha. This year’s festival, themed Njiko na Ntachi (Unity and Perseverance), marked another opportunity for the brand and its ambassador to connect with communities through food and cultural expression.
At the festival, Okonkwo led communal cooking demonstrations and food-tasting experiences that complemented the royal parades and age-grade performances. Guests enjoyed traditional South-Eastern dishes prepared with local ingredients, reinforcing the spirit of unity and hospitality that defines the annual celebration.
Speaking on Knorr’s participation, Dami Dania, Food Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to culture and community.
“At Knorr, we believe food connects people and tells our collective story,” Dania said. “We are honoured to support the people of the South-East in celebrating their heritage through events like the August Meeting and the Ofala Festival, which remind us of the power of togetherness.”
Through its involvement in these cultural festivities, Knorr reaffirmed its role as a partner in preserving Nigerian traditions and strengthening community ties. From kitchens to town squares, the brand continues to align itself with the values of unity, family, and shared experience that lie at the heart of Southeastern culture.
Knorr celebrates Adekunle Gold’s ‘Fuji’
Recall that Knorr has partnered with award-winning singer Adekunle Gold to celebrate his latest album, Fuji, with an immersive event that blended music, art, and culinary creativity.
The event, titled Fuji Reignited, took place on October 10, 2025, at The Sphere in Lagos, bringing together fans, artists, and cultural enthusiasts in an evening that explored the connection between taste, sound, and heritage.
The collaboration marked a homecoming for Adekunle Gold, whose Fuji album pays homage to one of Nigeria’s most enduring musical traditions. The night featured live performances of tracks such as Don Corleone, Coco Money, and Many Many People, alongside classics like Ogaranya and Pick Up.
In addition to the music, Knorr curated a culinary experience inspired by the themes of the album, offering guests meals that reflected the textures and rhythms of Nigerian culture.
Speaking on the collaboration, Damilola Dania, Food Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the project represented Knorr’s ongoing relationship with Nigerian homes.
“Knorr has always been part of our everyday lives, from our kitchens to our celebrations,” she said. “This collaboration with Adekunle Gold and Victor Ehikhamenor was about celebrating the things that make us who we are: our food, our art, our music, and our culture.”
