Ihonre added that the occasion will allow Akwa Ibom to highlight its delectable cuisines and increase both the host state’s and Nigeria’s overall domestic revenue.
“This all-important event aims to attract foreign investors/investments to the host state, Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.
“It will 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 the global community; expose the economic/cultural potential of host state/country /ECOWAS to the world.
“It will also promote youth development, employment and internal revenue to the host state, country and 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.
‘It will also be a collaboration of the host state, Akwa Ibom state through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,” he said.
According to him, the goal of the event is geared toward a food and cultural revolution in West Africa.
The DG said it was also for peace, security, sustainable development and investment that would promote a source of livelihood for employment and nutrition.
The inaugural ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) gastronomic and cultural festival will take place in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, April 25.
According to the New Telegraph, the inaugural culinary and cultural festival for the ECOWAS will run from April 25 to April 29.
The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival’s Director-General, Felix Ihonre, announced the event’s theme as “Celebrating Africa’s Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development” in a statement released on Wednesday in Uyo.
Aside from showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, he added, the program would bring together people from all walks of life to explore strategies for alleviating poverty in the country.