Uyo to Host Maiden ECOWAS Food, Cultural Festival
By Ekemini Simon
Food and cultural festival for the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) is slated to hold in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The event tagged “Celebrating Africa Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development”, is designed to hold from Tuesday April 25 through Saturday April 29, 2023.
In a press briefing held on Monday, April 17 in Uyo, the Director General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, Mr Felix Ihonre said the festival would promote the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Ihonre said the event will gather together stakeholders from all walks of life to articulate positive action plans as well as strategies on how to end poverty in the country.
He noted that the event would offer Akwa Ibom State the opportunity to showcase its rich cuisines even as the internally generated revenue of the host state will be boosted through high influx of participants in the festival.
The DG explained that the event is designed to give verve to food and cultural revolution in West Africa.
He pointed out that the event will also promote peace, security, sustainable development and investment that would enhance the source of livelihood for employment and nutrition.
Offering insight to what the event will feature, Ihonre stated ” Official Opening ceremony with cultural troops presentation and food fare.
“Exhibition of Products/ Products information of Organizations, States and Countries Worldwide, Cultural Heritage. Village Food, Music, Dance, Comedy, Children Essay Competition/Shows among others.
“Conference of Local Government Chairmen/Secretaries with State Commissioners/Permanent Secretaries and Federal Permanent Secretaries/ Directors of Agriculture, Culture, Information, Tourism, Education, Health, Women, Youth and Children.
“Youth, Women, Students, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations Forum. Plenary Sessions, Interactive Dialogue, Group Discussions, Symposia, Seminars, among others.
“Governors, Parliamentarians, Ministers, Diplomatic Community and VIPs Forum.
Investors Forum on Sustainable Development Goals for Culture, Food, Education, and Tourism.
” International Colloquium for Leaders/ Business CEOs on Food Security, Culture and Peace in Africa.
“Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: VIPs, Tourism and Hospitality Shows. Official Closing Ceremony, Musical Concert, Dinners and Award, Site Seeing, Visit to the Host State Governor, VIPs and post Festival Tour locally/internationally.
On his part, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Mr Lawrence Umoren, noted that Akwa Ibom State had been adjudged to be one of the cleanest, safest and most peaceful states with good road network and rich culture and cuisines hence the reason the State was chosen to host the event.
Umoren said the people of Akwa Ibom State would use the festival to showcase its rich culture and cuisines to the world.