“The market was great”: Vendors applaud Back to Your village Food Festival turnout

Vendors at the ‘Back to Your Village’ Food Festival have reported brisk business, describing this year’s edition as one of the most successful yet—despite early weather concerns on Day Two.

Speaking on Sunday, March 29, many vendors said patronage surged over the course of the two-day event, with sales peaking on the final day as larger crowds thronged the venue.

While initial rainfall threatened to slow activity, the turnout quickly rebounded, with eager patrons flooding the festival grounds in search of local delicacies and cultural experiences. Vendors noted that the steady flow of customers translated into strong sales, reinforcing the event’s growing appeal.

Several participants highlighted the second day as particularly rewarding, citing increased foot traffic and higher demand for a wide variety of traditional meals

Patrick Kekeli Agbeko, Manager of Tipsy Alley, said the event exceeded expectations.

“This year’s programme has been very successful. Sales have been relatively good. Day one started on a slow pace but ended on a high note. For day two, we were all just scared because of the rain this morning, and we were not hoping to see these numbers.

“But day two has been more powerful than day one. We are very grateful to the Citi FM team for this year’s event as well,” he said.

Agbeko, whose brand has participated since the festival’s inception, said their consistent presence continues to attract customers.

“We have been with the brand from the word go when the first edition was started. The fact that every year we are able to get people to be tipsy to eat the good foods around keeps us coming back,” he added.

Sarah Dovlo of B.B Nector Fruit Drink also reported brisk business, especially on the second day. “Given the two days, I will say today has had a massive turnout. We had more sales than yesterday. All our fruit juice drinks have been going and the market is good,” she said.

Founder of Pork Rack, Eliana Kumoji, echoed similar sentiments, noting that “today has been better than yesterday, considering how things have gone.”

Benedicta Apena of Emlyn Local Kitchen Pub described the day as exceptional.

“I really enjoyed today so much. There were so many activities, and patrons kept trooping in since we started selling. I wouldn’t say the market was good—that would be underrated—the market was great,” she said, adding that she plans to return next year.

Grace of Sunshines Foods said that although sales were initially affected by rainfall, the overall experience remained positive.

“Today’s market didn’t pick up on time because of the rain, but altogether it was a nice experience. The music has been lively and has never stopped. So we will be back next year,” she said.

Another vendor, who sells millet-based kenkey, said sales outperformed the previous day and shared the inspiration behind the product.

“Yesterday we made sales, but compared to today, I made more. The idea started with my dad, who is diabetic, so we changed his diet to include millet.

“We expanded it to others with similar needs, and we have been serving people for the past ten years. This is our third time at the festival, and we are hopeful of returning next year,” he said.

Powered by Channel One TV, with support from Citi FM, the festival is sponsored by Ecobank, Gino, Didi Shito, Munchee Biscuits, the National Petroleum Authority, and Everpack.