The City of Brampton, Ontario, came alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Nigeria as the third edition of the Flavours of Nigeria Festival celebrated the country’s rich cultural heritage with a colourful display of tradition, music and cuisine.
The highlight of the 2026 edition was the conferment of the traditional title of Sarkin Brampton on Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who was ceremonially turbaned in recognition of his support for multiculturalism and the Nigerian community in Canada.
With the theme, “The Royal Court of Arewa,” the festival showcased the traditions of Northern Nigeria while also celebrating the cultural heritage of the country’s three major ethnic groups through traditional dances, royal processions, fashion, music and an exhibition of authentic Nigerian delicacies.
The event drew Canadian government officials from the federal, provincial and municipal levels, including ministers, members of parliament, councillors, cultural organisations and members of the Nigerian diaspora, all united in celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
Founder and Convener of the festival, Chuks Anyaduba, said the initiative was established to export Nigeria’s festivals to Canada, promote the country’s rich cultural identity and boost tourism.
According to him, the vision is to project authentic Nigerian stories to the world while encouraging visitors to explore the country’s immense tourism potential.
He commended his partner, Akin Oduntan, the City of Brampton and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of the festival.
“Our bigger vision is to tell positive Nigerian stories, promote tourism, attract international investment and expand the Flavours of Nigeria Festival across North America and Europe,” Anyaduba said.
Speaking on the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the event, he explained that the partnership with PAMA and the Museum of Nigerian Arts would facilitate the promotion of Nigerian artefacts, arts and culture through a pop-up museum and artist residency programme.
He disclosed that plans were already underway to extend the festival to other Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Ottawa and Manitoba.
Nigeria’s Business Ambassador to the City of Brampton and festival partner, Akin Oduntan, described the event as a celebration that goes beyond food, saying it was designed to showcase Nigeria’s creativity, innovation and cultural richness.
He noted that the attendance of Canada’s Minister of Treasury Board, the Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, members of parliament and councillors reflected the growing influence and recognition of the Nigerian community in Canada.
Oduntan described the turbaning of Mayor Patrick Brown as one of the defining moments of the festival.
“Many Canadian dignitaries witnessed this colourful aspect of Nigerian tradition for the first time. It was another opportunity to demonstrate the richness of our culture and the enormous potential Nigeria has to offer the world,” he said.
Adding to the cultural spectacle, Edo indigenes resident in Brampton thrilled guests with vibrant performances showcasing the Benin Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Founder of Edo Language Worldwide, Nekpe Obasogie, said the group participated in the festival to promote the Benin language and celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
She described the annual event as a unifying platform that strengthens friendship, harmony and national identity among Nigerians living in Canada.
