By Foday Moriba Conteh
Sierra Leone’s cherished seasoning brand, Onga, marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, an established food distribution company operating as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, on Monday 6th April 2026 successfully concluded the maiden edition of the Onga Awojor Fiesta Cooking Competition at the Prince of Wales School in Kingtom, Freetown, in what many described as a remarkable fusion of culinary education, entertainment and community celebration.
The colorful event attracted church groups from across Freetown, all competing in a vibrant showcase of cooking skills, hygiene awareness, creativity and teamwork, while highlighting the rich taste, aroma and versatility of Onga seasoning products. The competition was carefully designed not only to entertain but also to promote healthy cooking habits, proper nutrition and organized food preparation within homes and communities.
Participating in the highly competitive fiesta were church teams from National Pentecostal Church, Congo Cross, Zion Praise Tabernacle, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ascension Town Baptist Church and Faith Assembly of God. Each team brought energy, innovation and exceptional culinary talent to the contest, impressing guests and judges alike with their meal presentation, hygiene standards and ability to creatively use Onga products.
At the climax of the competition, Zion Praise Tabernacle emerged as the overall winner, after dazzling the panel of judges with an outstanding display of presentation, taste and cooking excellence. The church walked away with a prize package valued at NLe17,000, including a prestigious trophy and other items.
Emmanuel Baptist Church secured the first runner-up position, receiving prizes worth NLe7,000, while Ascension Town Baptist Church emerged as second runner-up, taking home prizes valued at NLe5,000.
In a strong gesture of inclusivity and appreciation, all participating churches were also presented with assorted Onga hampers, ensuring that every team left recognized for its commitment and effort.
Speaking at the event, Kenneth Konuah, Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Limited, underscored the importance of healthy eating, good nutrition and excellence in home cooking as key ingredients for building stronger families and healthier communities.
According to him, the initiative goes far beyond a simple cooking competition, stressing that it was intentionally created to inspire households to adopt better eating habits, maintain hygienic kitchens and embrace healthier lifestyles.
He explained that just as churches play a central role in preaching the gospel for spiritual growth, it is equally important to encourage messages around good health, nutritious meals and positive living.
Kenneth Konuah said the competition seeks to assure excellence in cooking by encouraging participants to prepare meals that are not only delicious but also nourishing and enjoyable for every member of the family.
“When we say cook, we are asking you to cook with excellence,” he emphasized, adding that meals prepared with the right ingredients and proper seasoning should always bring satisfaction to husbands, children and the entire household.
He described the participation of the churches in the maiden edition as a major milestone for the Onga brand, noting that the event marks the foundation of what is expected to grow into a national culinary platform.
The Country Manager also commended the judges for their professionalism in assessing participants on hygiene, taste, creativity and cooking methods, while encouraging contestants to take pride in being pioneers of what may soon become a nationally recognized event.
He further noted that the fiesta was not solely about competition, but also about entertainment, fellowship and joyful celebration, with choir performances and other engaging activities helping to create a festive atmosphere.
Also speaking at the event, Philip Kanu, Marketing Lead of Premium Divine Trading Limited, disclosed that the Onga Awojor Fiesta is not a one-off initiative, but rather the beginning of a broader community engagement strategy that the company intends to organize on a quarterly basis.
Explaining the concept behind the branding, he said the term “Awojor” signifies a large celebration or feast, reflecting the event’s mission of bringing communities together around food, joy, nutrition and family values.
According to Philip Kanu, the initiative was created to celebrate not only culinary skills but also the spirit of togetherness and shared experiences within communities.
“This is the maiden edition and we are planning to continue programs like this every quarter,” he stated, adding that the fiesta also featured entertainment elements such as singing competitions and choir performances to make the day even more memorable.
He noted that the slogan “Cook Sweet” was deliberately chosen to reinforce Onga’s longstanding brand promise of helping families prepare meals that are tasty, aromatic and satisfying.
Philip Kanu also highlighted the company’s growing footprint across Sierra Leone, with expanding outlets in Freetown and beyond, all aimed at making quality and nutritious Promasidor products more accessible and affordable to consumers nationwide.
He proudly described Onga as one of the company’s flagship household brands, trusted in Sierra Leonean kitchens for its unmatched taste, aroma and versatility.
The Marketing Lead further used the occasion to educate participants on the different categories of Onga products, including tablets, powder seasoning and tomato paste, while engaging the audience in an interactive quiz on the various flavors available, such as beef, chicken, classic and stew.
He explained that the participating churches were selected through prior church activations and community demonstrations, which had already introduced congregations to the nutritional and culinary benefits of Onga products.
Looking ahead, Philip Kanu disclosed that future editions may target other sectors of society, including the security sector, Muslim communities and schools, as part of the brand’s strategy to deepen its connection with diverse communities across Sierra Leone.
Reacting to the victory, the Wife of the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor Mrs. Esther Bangura, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the organizers after her church emerged as overall champion.
She described the win as a reflection of the unity, dedication and excellence displayed by the church team throughout the competition, noting that the triumph was a proud moment for the entire Zion Praise Tabernacle family.
Pastor Mrs. Esther Bangura praised Onga and Premium Divine Trading Limited for creating an inspiring platform that promotes healthy cooking habits, hygiene and family-centered values, while encouraging Sierra Leonean homes to continue embracing proper nutrition and organized food preparation.
She dedicated the trophy and prize package to the glory of God and commended the contestants for representing the church with distinction and showcasing the ministry’s spirit of excellence.
The maiden Onga Awojor Fiesta Cooking Competition has since been widely hailed as an innovative blend of culinary education, brand promotion and community celebration, further strengthening Onga’s reputation as a household favorite in Sierra Leone while reinforcing its broader commitment to promoting hygienic cooking, tasty meals and healthy living through practical, community-centered engagements.
