Nigeria to Host ECOWAS Leaders to Tackle Food, Security Issues

On Sep 30, 2024

Nigeria is set to host key players from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the security challenges impacting farming and agricultural production across the region. Ambassador Felix Ihonre, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, revealed this during an interview with the News Men on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting in Abuja.

The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from October 6 to 11, 2024. The festival will gather stakeholders in food security and security sectors to find solutions to the issues hindering agricultural productivity in West Africa.

“As the host, Nigeria stands to benefit in tourism, sustainable development, cultural integration, poverty alleviation, youth employment, and empowering women in agriculture,” Ihonre said. He added that the event would encourage high-level policy advocacy and collaboration among governments in the ECOWAS region, with the aim of tackling insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition.

Ihonre stressed that once violence in agricultural communities is curbed, farmers can cultivate freely, leading to increased food production and more affordable food for the public.

Delegates from all 16 ECOWAS member countries, global representatives, and heads of state are expected to attend the event in Uyo. Highlights of the festival will include a golf tournament, a train carnival, a forum for youth and local government officials, and the Miss ECOWAS Beauty Pageant, which will showcase West African beauty and cultural costumes.

The festival’s theme, “Celebrating African Cultural Heritage for Peace and Development,” underscores the importance of peace for sustainable development. Ekpa Francis, representing the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), emphasized the OSGF’s support for the festival, aligning it with the government’s agenda for peace and development.

NAN /Oluchi