Maryam Ohunene Ahmed is the Founder and Creative Lead of Taste of Arewa, a culinary expedition dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich flavors, food heritage, and cultural identity of Northern Nigeria. Over the past three years, she has immersed herself deeply in the region’s culinary traditions, working closely with local cooks, food historians, and community experts to document, preserve, and creatively reinterpret Arewa cuisine for modern audiences.

Through Taste of Arewa, Maryam has showcased Northern Nigerian dishes to international guests in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to cross-cultural exchange and global appreciation of Nigeria’s diverse food heritage. Her work has gained international recognition and has evolved into a broader culture preservation and tourism promotion initiative, linking historic sites, storytelling, and food culture to boost regional tourism.

Maryam is also a strong advocate for sustainable agriculture and indigenous ingredients, highlighting nutrient-rich foods such as water lily seeds and demonstrating their use in simple, nostalgic dishes that promote both nutrition and cultural memory. Her work emphasizes resilience, food diversity, and the nutritional value of traditional diets.

Despite ongoing security challenges in parts of Northern Nigeria, Maryam remains steadfast in her mission to spotlight the beauty, depth, and resilience of the region’s culinary landscape. An award recipient, she is passionate about sharing her culture with wider audiences and fellow awardees alike, inviting them to explore, learn, and connect through the stories, flavors, and heritage of Arewa cuisine.