Akwa Ibom is set to host the first edition of the food and cultural festival for the Economic Community of West African States.
Director General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, Felix Ihonre, who made the disclosure in Uyo yesterday, said the festival would hold from April 25 to April 29.
Ihonre said the programme would promote the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and bring together stakeholders from all walks of life to articulate positive action plans as well as strategies on how to end poverty in the country.
“The event is in partnership or sponsorship of the federal government through the ministry of foreign affairs, federal Ministry of Information and culture and other MDAs with the collaboration of the host state, Akwa Ibom state through the ministry of culture and tourism.
He said that the event would give Akwa Ibom the opportunity to showcase its rich cuisines and boost the internally generated revenue of the host state in particular and Nigeria at large.
“The goal of the event is geared towards a Food and Cultural Revolution in West Africa for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development and Investment that will promote a source of livelihood for employment and nutrition.
“The programme will be on a rotational basis and it will bring more economic fortunes to the state. It’s going to attract investors and generate a lot of IGR to the state. It will showcase host country potentials to the world and promote peace and cordiality within the 15 member countries of ECOWAS”
“The main event will be having cultural floats from across the nation. We will have a session with students and youths where they will be engaged in essay competitions in food security.
“We will also have Mr and Miss ECOWAS pageantry at the finale”
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lawrence Umoren, said that Akwa Ibom had been adjudged to be one of the cleanest, safest and most peaceful states with a good road network.
Delegates expected are local, state, national, regional & international participants.
