Nigeria is set to host key stakeholders from the Economic Community of West African States to address the security challenges hindering farming and agricultural production across the region, an official has announced.
The Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, Felix Ihonre, revealed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the Preparatory/Inter-ministerial Meeting for the festival in Abuja.
NAN reports that the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from 6th to 11th October 2024.
Ihonre stated that the festival would bring together key players from the food security and security sectors to propose solutions to the challenges affecting farming and agricultural production in Nigeria and other West African countries.
“Nigeria, as the host of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, which will be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from 6th to 11th October 2024, stands to benefit significantly in areas such as tourism, sustainable development, cultural integration, poverty alleviation, youth employment, and women in agriculture.
“The festival aims to advocate for high-level government policies and commitment from governments within the ECOWAS sub-region.
“We are engaging all sectors of the economy to ensure that, through synergy among key players, the issues of insecurity, hunger, malnutrition, and violence in agricultural areas will be addressed.”
The EFCF Director-General further noted that if the government succeeds in curbing violence in various communities, farmers will be able to work without fear of harassment.
According to him, when farmers can cultivate crops and grains at the right time and place without harassment, it will 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.”
The Director-General added that the festival will feature events such as a golf tournament, train carnival, Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, and other activities.
“We have planned activities including a golf tournament, train carnival, and a forum for men and youth. There will also be a forum for local government chairmen, permanent secretaries of MDAs, and directors.
“The Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant will showcase the beauty and traditional costumes of ECOWAS countries. In addition, Uyo will offer a variety of foods and cuisines for visitors to enjoy.”
He explained that the theme of the festival, “Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development,” was timely, as development cannot thrive in an environment of conflict.
Ekpa Francis from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) said that the OSGF supports the upcoming festival because it promotes peace and development in the country.
“The Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival has been welcomed by the OSGF, having outlined the festival’s significance for ECOWAS and the country.
“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is known for his attentiveness and has recognised the value of this programme for Nigeria,” Francis said.
“The SGF has resolved that, as the festival focuses on peace and development, which aligns with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it is a welcome initiative.”
(NAN)
