Sierra Leone’s cherished seasoning brand, ONGA, marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, is set to host the maiden edition of the ONGA Awojor Fiesta – Salone Jollof Battle Edition on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Melian Event Center in Murray Town, Freetown. The event will also serve as the official launch of the new ONGA Powder Spice.
The competition will bring together five shortlisted home cooks from across the country, who will compete for the title of Sierra Leone’s Jollof Champion and the opportunity to represent the country at the Regional ONGA Jollof Battle in Ghana on August 22, 2026, coinciding with the annual celebration of World Jollof Day.
Speaking ahead of the event, Philip Kanu, Marketing Lead at Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, disclosed that Ghana will host the regional competition, bringing together representatives from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to him, the search for Sierra Leone’s representative began with a nationwide call for nominations on ONGA’s official Facebook page, where members of the public were invited to nominate individuals they believed prepared the country’s best Jollof rice. The nomination process lasted nearly three weeks, after which the five contestants with the highest nominations were shortlisted.
The finalists are Kadie Turay from Kambia District and Mary Kargbo, Salamatu Kamara, Phebean Kamara, and Bintu Yie Octobean, all from Freetown.
Kanu explained that the winner of the Salone Jollof Battle, together with a representative nominated by the Chefs Association of Sierra Leone, will represent the country at the regional championship in Ghana. He added that all travel and accommodation expenses for the representatives will be fully covered by the company.
Beyond the competition, Kanu emphasized that the initiative seeks to promote healthy eating, proper nutrition, kitchen hygiene, and excellence in home cooking. “This is more than just a cooking competition. It is about encouraging families to embrace nutritious meals, maintain hygienic kitchens, and promote healthier lifestyles,” he said.
He described the ONGA Awojor Fiesta – Salone Jollof Battle Edition as the foundation of what the company hopes will become a nationally recognized culinary platform that celebrates Sierra Leonean cuisine while strengthening community engagement.
The event will also feature live entertainment, audience engagement activities, and interactive quizzes designed to educate consumers on the various ONGA products available on the market.
Members of the public have been encouraged to attend the event to support their favourite contestants and enjoy a celebration that combines food, culture, and entertainment.
The winner will earn the honour of representing Sierra Leone at the regional ONGA Jollof Battle in Ghana, where contestants from five West African countries will compete for regional recognition.
ONGA, one of Africa’s leading seasoning brands under Promasidor, has over the years organized cooking competitions and food festivals across West Africa to promote culinary creativity, encourage healthy cooking practices, and celebrate local cuisine.
With anticipation building ahead of Sunday’s event, food lovers across Sierra Leone are eagerly awaiting the emergence of a new Jollof champion who will carry the nation’s culinary pride onto the regional stage.
