The rich cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria, known as Arewa, took centre stage in Canada on August 15, 2026, as the third edition of the Flavours of Nigeria Festival was held at Gage Park, Brampton.

Themed “The royal courts of Arewa: Culture as a bridge to peace,” the festival showcased Northern Nigeria’s traditions, food, music, fashion, arts and royal heritage.

A major highlight was the ceremonial turbaning of Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown as the Sarkin Brampton, providing a powerful representation of Nigerian traditional culture in Canada.

The ceremony symbolized the growing cultural relationship between Nigeria and Canada and demonstrated how traditional institutions can promote friendship, understanding and peace across borders.

The festival attracted prominent Nigerian officials, including Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; Senator Ita Enang, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany; and Ambassador Abba Zanna Kawu, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada. Canadian representatives included Hon. Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board of Canada; MP Sonia Sidhu; MP Amandeep Sodhi; MP Amarjeet Gill; MPP Graham McGregor; and Councillor Rod Power. Nigerian actors Uzee Usman & Okusaga Adeoluwa were also in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the convener, Chukwuebuka Anyaduba described Flavours of Nigeria as both a cultural bridge and a platform for economic development, citing vendor sales, economic activity in Brampton and stronger connections between communities and political leaders.

Co-convener, Akin Oduntan also expressed appreciation to the City of Brampton’s Advance Brampton Fund for supporting the festival in part.

Another major milestone was the launch of the maiden Pop-Up Museum of Nigerian Arts (MONA) in partnership with the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA).

The initiative provided a platform for Nigerian art, history and cultural heritage to reach Canadian audiences, strengthening institutional cultural exchange and expanding the international visibility of Nigeria’s creative and artistic heritage.

Beyond celebration, the festival demonstrated the power of culture as a vehicle for tourism, diplomacy, entrepreneurship and international engagement.

By exporting Arewa culture to Canada and connecting Nigerians, Canadians, businesses and government leaders, Flavours of Nigeria continues to position Nigerian culture as a bridge for stronger Nigeria-Canada relations, while promoting Nigeria’s heritage, tourism and creative economy to a global audience.