Nigeria is set to host key stakeholders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address pressing security challenges impacting agriculture and food production across the region, an official confirmed.
Felix Ihonre, the Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, revealed the plans during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Preparatory/Inter-ministerial Meeting for the festival in Abuja. The festival is scheduled to take place from October 6 to 11, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Ihonre said the event will bring together experts from both the food security and security sectors to propose solutions for the challenges affecting farming and agricultural production in Nigeria and other West African countries. He emphasized that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from the festival, particularly in tourism, sustainable development, cultural integration, poverty alleviation, youth employment, and women in agriculture.
“The festival aims to advocate for strong government policies and commitments across the ECOWAS sub-region,” Ihonre said. “We are engaging all sectors of the economy to ensure that through collaboration, the issues of insecurity, hunger, malnutrition, and violence in agricultural areas will be addressed.”
He further highlighted that if security in communities is improved, farmers would be able to work without fear of harassment, which would lead to sufficient and affordable food availability.
“We are looking forward to welcoming delegates from 16 ECOWAS member states, as well as international delegates, heads of state, and government officials to Abuja and Uyo for the festival,” Ihonre added.
The festival will feature a variety of activities, including a golf tournament, a train carnival, the Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, and forums for men, youth, local government chairmen, and permanent secretaries. The event aims to showcase the beauty and traditional costumes of ECOWAS countries, while Uyo will offer a diverse array of foods and cuisines for visitors to enjoy.
The theme of the festival, “Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development,” is timely, according to Ihonre, who stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in an environment of peace and security.
Ekpa Francis, from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), expressed support for the upcoming festival, noting its alignment with the country’s goals for peace and development.
“The SGF, Senator George Akume, has recognized the festival’s value and its contribution to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” Francis said. “The festival’s focus on peace and development is a welcome initiative for Nigeria.”
