Naira Rice Pledges Partnership with Okpa Fiesta to Promote Anambra’s Food Culture, Youth Enterprise
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
The organising team of Okpa Fiesta has secured a partnership commitment from Naira Rice, Nise, as part of efforts to promote Anambra’s food culture, support local businesses and create networking opportunities for young people.
The commitment followed a courtesy visit by the team, led by the festival convener, Ms Lucia Enahoro, to the Managing Director of Naira Rice, Mr Arinze Omenwa.
Speaking during the visit, Enahoro commended the company’s growth and its contribution to youth development through skills acquisition, training and employment opportunities.
She explained that the visit was aimed at introducing the fifth edition of Okpa Fiesta and exploring areas of collaboration with the rice producing company.
According to her, the festival, which has held four previous editions, celebrates Okpa as an important part of the region’s food heritage while providing a platform for young people, entrepreneurs and businesses to connect under the theme, “Eat, Play and Connect.”
Responding, Omenwa expressed support for the initiative, describing its focus on indigenous food and cultural promotion as consistent with Naira Rice’s interest in promoting locally produced food and businesses.
He said the company was willing to partner with the organisers, pledging financial and material support, physical participation and publicity using the organisation’s available resources.
Omenwa encouraged the team to remain committed to the vision, stressing that the success of an initiative should be measured by its growth and progress over time rather than competition with similar events.
He also described the partnership as an opportunity to create a legacy that would introduce younger generations to the region’s food culture and its significance.
The delegation was subsequently taken on a tour of the Naira Rice production facility, where the company showcased its operations and quality control processes, highlighting its commitment to standards and product quality.
The collaboration is expected to connect two locally rooted initiatives around food culture, enterprise development and the promotion of Anambra businesses.
