By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Socio-economic potentials in Akwa Ibom State are to get a boost as the first edition of the Food and Cultural Festival for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), holds in the state from April 25 to 29, 2023.
The Director General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival “Nigeria 2022” Ambassador Felix Ihonre who disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, said the theme for the event is “Celebrating Africa Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development.”
Ihonre said the programme shall promote rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and would bring together stakeholders from all walks of life to articulate positive action plan and strategize on how to end poverty in the country.
He added that the event would give the State the opportunity to showcase its rich cuisines and boost the internally generated revenue of the host state in particular and Nigeria at large.
Part of the statement reads, “This all important event aims to attract Foreign Investors/Investments to Host State, Nigeria and ECOWAS region; Promote African Cultural Heritage, Food/Hospitality Industries for Tourism, Peace and Development; Promote a region for sustainable/ qualitative/quantitative Food, Cultural and Industrial Revolution; Promote Friendship, Peace, Economic Integration and Trade in ECOWAS with Global Community; Expose the Economic/Cultural Potential of Host State/ Country / ECOWAS to the World; as well as Promote Youth Development, Employment and Internal Revenue to the Host State/ Country/ECOWAS.
“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.
“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 source of livelihood for employment and nutrition.
“The programme will be on rotational basis and it will bring more economic fortunes to the state. It’s going to attract investor 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 we 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”
Also speaking, chairman of local organising committee, Mr. Lawrence Umoren said Akwa Ibom has been adjudged to be one of the cleanest, safest, peaceful states with a good road networks therefore it was high time the state showcased to the world the enormous potentials.
Umoren noted that after the technical session, they will jumpstart the actions that would emanate from there.
Delegates expected are local, state, national, regional & international participants.
