The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Food and Cultural Festival has announced that its upcoming event in Nigeria will focus on advancing food security, reducing poverty, and fostering a zero-tolerance stance on hunger across 16 ECOWAS member countries.
Ambassador Felix Ihonre, the Director-General of the festival, made this known during the Preparatory Inter-Ministerial/Stakeholders Meeting held in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is slated to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from October 6 to 11, 2024.
Ambassador Ihonre emphasized that the festival will unite key stakeholders in food security and the broader security framework to address the challenges that hinder agricultural production and farming activities in Nigeria and other West African nations. He highlighted that Nigeria, as the host country, stands to reap significant economic rewards from the event.
“Hosting the festival brings immense benefits to Nigerians. We will be the ones providing food for the participants, offering accommodations, and facilitating transportation. Our local economy, from hotels to airports and street vendors, will experience a surge in activity,” Ihonre noted.
He also pointed out the significance of having Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, in a leadership role during this event. “With Nigeria holding the chairmanship of ECOWAS, this festival is a prime opportunity for the country to capitalize on its position within the region,” he added.
The festival will welcome delegates from the 15 other ECOWAS member countries, as well as international delegates, heads of state, and government officials who will attend events in both Abuja and Uyo.
A variety of activities have been lined up for the festival, including a golf tournament, a train carnival, and the Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant. “These events will showcase the beauty, culture, and culinary diversity of the ECOWAS region,” Ihonre said.
The theme of the upcoming festival, “Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development,” underscores the essential link between peace and development. Ihonre stressed that development cannot occur in an environment plagued by conflict and insecurity, which is why a robust security presence will be ensured, with agencies like the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps actively involved.
The director-general also outlined plans for follow-up projects and activities that will build on the momentum of the festival. “This event marks the beginning of a food and cultural revolution we have long advocated, which will continue to gain traction after the festival concludes in October,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Oladunjoye Musiliu, Director of International Organisations and Political Economy Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, called on all stakeholders to contribute to the success of the festival.
