By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Organisers of the Akara Festival in Nigeria and the Acarajé Festival in Brazil are partnering to promote shared Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Nigerian heritage through culture, cuisine, and fitness.
The Akara Festival, led by Fitnesstalkshow Communications will hold from Oct. 16 to 19 during the celebration of the World Food Day at Elekahia Stadium, Port Harcourt.
It will feature culinary competitions, music, dance, traditional games and exhibitions.
The festival highlights not just food, but Ankara fashion, cultural immersion, and entertainment.
Mr. Soye Elekima, President of the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) and representative of the IFBB Academy in Nigeria, is the organiser of the Nigerian leg of the festival.
He said the Akara-Acarajé partnership reflects the long-standing cultural and historical connections between Nigeria and Brazil.
“This collaboration is not just about food or fitness. It is a celebration of our shared African roots, our fashion, our music, and our health,” Elekima said.
“It is also in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and stems directly from the recent bilateral agreements signed with Brazil.”
A major highlight of the Nigerian festival is the SHAPE UP Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge, running from Oct. 1 to 30 with lots of Sporting and Fitness activities.
The initiative encourages Nigerians to engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily for 30 days.
Organisers said it aims to promote healthy living while showcasing Akara as a nutritious and culturally significant food.
Fitness Talkshow Communications Ltd is also engaging food producers and distribution companies as sponsors and vendors.
Cultural components of the festival include joint culinary exhibitions, Ankara fashion displays, music, and art from both countries.
Ankara prints, known for their vibrant colours and bold designs, are used in festival décor, clothing, and food packaging.
This cultural initiative aligns with the five MOUs signed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil.
The agreements cover aviation, trade, energy, culture, and science and technology.
A key outcome was the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which enables direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil for the first time in decades.
President Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, described the move as a gateway to deepening cooperation in tourism, culture, and commerce.
Elekima called for support from the private and public sectors, philanthropists, well-meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies, and institutions to sponsor and participate in the event.
“For sponsorship, participation, or enquiries about the Akara Festival or Shape Up Challenge, call 08029707735 or 09167773831,” he said.
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