By Mathew Dadiya
National Central Working Committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Food and Cultural Festival has commended the governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for accepting to co-host the maiden edition of the regional food and cultural festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies and National Chairman of the central working committee, Olusola Aliu made the commendation while speaking with newsmen on the prospects of the festival tagged, “ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, Uyo ’23, Saturday in Abuja.
Aliu said that the forthcoming food and cultural festival would provide an opportunity for ECOWAS states to celebrate and showcase their diverse culinary traditions and cultural heritage, particularly Nigeria the host country.
He explained that the food and cultural festival would involve a variety of food stalls or vendors, offering traditional and authentic dishes from different cultures in ECOWAS, as well as performances, demonstrations, and interactive activities related to music, dance, art, crafts, and other elements of African culture.
“Food and cultural festivals provide an opportunity for people to taste and explore different cuisines, learn about the traditions and customs associated with the food, and appreciate the diversity and richness of various cultures,” Prof. Aliu stated.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, during a courtesy on him, led by the chairman of, the Intergovernmental Affairs Sub-committee, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien had assured the Central Working Committee of Cross River State’s readiness to co-host the regional food and cultural festival, saying that the state has one of the richest culture and cuisines which have become famous globally.
“Cross River is internationally noted for its culinary activities. Some of our cuisines are celebrated all over the world. In terms of culture, we have the richest in the whole of Africa. Our culture is also celebrated worldwide. So any occasion that will bring us together is very worthwhile.
“The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is a celebration of life because culture is about life. This event is very fascinating. Anything that is about food and culture is about life. I believe it’s going to be a celebration of life.
“The event will reawaken the consciousness of the people to invest in the local cuisines for export within the African continent and globally. I thank you for bringing the festival. I believe it is going to be some sort of reawakening for our people to understand that our cuisines have gone international and that there is a need to invest and also export to other countries.
“We will support you wholeheartedly and participate in the event. We look forward to that celebration,” Gov. Bassey Otu assured.
Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, during the visit, had solicited for partnership with Cross River State to co-host the festival with Akwa Ibom State on a date yet to be decided by stakeholders in due course.
The former Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate noted that the festival would boost the local economy as well as attract investments to the hosting states and the country at large, reiterating that Cross River State is well known for its rich food and festivals that have expanded the scope of investment in the tourism sector.
“The food and cultural festival will help to boost the local economy by promoting inbound and outbound tourism, entrepreneurship, and support for small-scale businesses. The festival is aimed at attracting investment to the host states, Nigeria, and the ECOWAS sub-region. We are therefore requesting you to please accept to support and co-host the festival,” Senator Emmanuel Essien said.
