ECOWAS Festival to Champion Food Security and Hunger Eradication in West Africa
The upcoming ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place from Oct. 6 to 11, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, will focus on promoting food security, poverty alleviation, and zero tolerance for hunger across 16 West African countries.
This was disclosed by Amb. Felix Ihonre, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, during a preparatory meeting in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial/Stakeholders Meeting, Ihonre emphasized the festival’s role in addressing security challenges that hamper agricultural production in West Africa. “The festival will bring together key players in the food security sector to proffer solutions to issues hindering farming and agricultural growth in the region,” he said.
Ihonre also highlighted the economic benefits Nigeria will gain as the host nation, with opportunities for local businesses in areas such as hospitality, transportation, and food services. “Our hotels, airports, and local markets will thrive during this period. Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from hosting this festival,” he added.
The festival will feature activities such as a golf tournament, a flow train carnival, the Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, and forums for local government officials and youth, all under the theme: “Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development.” The Director-General stressed that peace is essential for development, noting that food security is closely tied to national stability.
“Without peace, farmers cannot go to their fields, and there can be no progress. We are working closely with security agencies to ensure the festival runs smoothly,” Ihonre assured.
In addition to cultural events, the festival will serve as a platform for long-term projects aimed at revolutionizing food and cultural development in the region. Ihonre confirmed that follow-up initiatives would be launched post-festival to solidify these efforts.
Oladunjoye Musiliu, Director of International Organisations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged stakeholders to collaborate effectively to ensure the success of the event.
