By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria is set to make a bold mark on the global stage as the Federal Government announces plans to attempt a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest dining table during this year’s Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival, scheduled for December 6, 2025, in Abuja.
The announcement was made on Thursday at a joint world press briefing in Abuja featuring the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture,” this year’s festival will celebrate Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, promote cultural identity, and create economic visibility for opportunities in the hospitality and creative sectors, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Fagade disclosed that the centrepiece of the festival will be a 3.6-kilometre dining table, designed to host between 2,000 and 3,000 guests, adding that the Guinness World Record attempt will take place in the morning of December 6, followed by a royal communal banquet later in the evening.
Dr. Fagade said: “The ORIKI Festival is more than just a feast; it’s a celebration of Nigeria’s identity through food, music, culture, and storytelling. It also demonstrates Abuja’s growing capacity to host world-class cultural events that unite people and project our values globally.”
The NIHOTOUR Director-General further explained that the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism value chain, enhance youth empowerment, and promote entrepreneurship through gastronomy and hospitality development.
According to him, the festival is expected to attract investments in hospitality, food processing, and agribusiness while providing employment and innovation opportunities for young Nigerians.
Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa described the upcoming event as “a symbol of inclusion and creativity in Nigeria’s cultural renaissance.”
She noted: “Nigerian cuisine is gaining global recognition, and events like ORIKI will amplify that success. Our people have consistently shown creativity and excellence in showcasing local dishes across the world.”
The Mega Renewed Hope Gastronomy Festival and the record-breaking dining event will be officially launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
Organizers say the festival will combine food, culture, music, and comedy to present a wholesome experience that underscores Nigeria’s diversity and unity, while setting a new global record that places the nation’s hospitality industry in the international spotlight.
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