The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Nihotour) has announced a new date for its much-anticipated Gastronomy Oriki Royal Festival, originally slated for December 6.
The decision follows extensive consultations with local and international partners to ensure the event meets global standards.
Described as an “Olympic gastronomy event,” the festival aims to break a Guinness World Record by hosting the world’s longest dining table, showcasing Nigeria’s royal heritage and culinary diversity from the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Director General of Nihotour, Abisoye Fagade, explained the need for the postponement, stressing the importance of perfection.
“This is not just an ordinary gastronomy event; it is a deliberate and strategic Nigerian culinary brand statement,” Fagade said. “Every element—from the well-appointed royal-themed table to the array of dishes and appetisers, and from the chefs to the waiters in colourful Nigerian attire—must align with Guinness World Record regulations. It is a huge task, and we want everything in perfect order before inviting Nigerians and the world to the table.”
Fagade added that the festival would also promote research into the health benefits of Nigerian cuisine, underlining that food should not only excite taste buds but also encourage wellness and happiness.
Victor Salako, Nihotour’s Director of Planning and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the festival, confirmed that the new date, likely in the first quarter of 2026, would be announced once all partner alignments are complete. He noted that Guinness World Records has already granted preliminary approval for the dining experience.
“Like the Director General has emphasised, our approach is intentional, sensitive, and deeply committed to offering the world a unique dining experience,” Salako said.
“We envision Nigerians and international visitors seated across an exceptionally long table, sharing ideas and experiences about our food and hospitality. Achieving this requires enormous planning and precision, and we are prepared to fix a new date as soon as Guinness World Records, our respected umpires, align with our new date propositions.”
The Gastronomy Oriki Festival promises to be a landmark celebration of Nigerian culture, cuisine, and innovation, setting the stage for a world-class culinary spectacle.
