Gastronomy Day 2021: Nigerian government urge to establish Gastronomy institute

The Nigerian government has been urged to establish a Gastronomy institute to train and educate Nigerians on the best practices of food Hygiene and heathy eating habits for a healthy nation and tourism development.

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A Nigerian legislator, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on culture and tourism made the call at an occasion in Abuja, to mark sustainable Gastronomy Day with the theme “Nations, Foods Cultures and Partnerships for sustainable development.”

Sustainable gastronomy means cuisine that takes into account where the ingredients are from, how the food is grown and how it gets to markets and eventually to various plates as well as prevent wastage.

According to the Nigerian legislator, 90% of Nigerians do not eat right because they engage in consuming more carbohydrates and sugary drinks and without any physical excercise. This is what causes diabetes and hypertension.

While encouraging Nigerians to watch their diets, Senator Okorocha advocated the need to educate and enlighten the Children on good diet.

In a remark, Minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed represented by Dr. Ifeoma Adaora said, “The Ministry is committed to working with the relevant National and international strategic partners to initiate and implement policies for the actualization of the objectives of sustainable Gastronomy.

“With over 300 ethnic groups and their corresponding unique cuisines, Nigeria has enormous potential of becoming the Mecca of food tourism in Africa.

“To this end, the federal government recognizes the pivotal roles that sustainable Gastronomy can play in Nigerian tourism development.”

Also Speaking, a Cultural attache’ from the embassy of China, Mr. Li Xuda said, “Nigeria has all it takes to be the champion of Africa in the tourism sector which can be achieved through collaboration.

“The two countries have similarities in Gastronomy ranging from cuisines and cultural values. These will be better develop and promoted through mutual synergy,” Mr Li stated.

The Director General National institute for hospitality and tourism Mr. Nura Kangiwa said Nigeria is the most competitive gastronomy tourist destination in Africa which can be found in the diversities in ethnic groups and unique food culture.