Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John
FG endorses AfroFlavour Food Festival in UK, U.S, to use platform to drive inbound tourism
[By VICTOR NZE]
Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has endorsed the forthcoming AfroFlavour Food Festival billed for Manchester, in the United Kingdom (UK) on July 6, and Maryland, United States (U.S) on August 3, 2024.
To that effect, the Minister also confirmed her full participation as she will attend the events in both venues in UK and the U.S, where the Federal Ministry of Tourism is also expected to showcase and promote Nigerian cuisine to attract global attention to the richness and diversity of Nigerian foods.
The planned AfroFlavour Food Festival (AFFF) is an extraordinary celebration where the vibrant spirit, rich traditions, and diverse cultures of Africa come to life.
The show also offers a mouth-watering array of African dishes, live music performances, fashion and art exhibitions, and cultural workshops. A unique fusion designed to take the culinary curious on an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of the African continent.
According to the ministry’s endorsement letter to organisers of the food fest, the minister disclosed that she ‘will use the opportunity to promote inbound tourism into Nigeria built around the diversity of Nigerian culture and how this feeds into the country’s cuisine and culinary offerings and experiences.’
The minister in a personally letter to AfroFlavour (UK) Limited, further described the forthcoming food festival as ‘a wonderful initiative that celebrates Africa’s rich culinary heritage, cultural diversity, and vibrant fashion, music, and art.’
“Food tourism is indeed a significant component of the tourism sector, and this Festival provides a significant platform to showcase the best of Nigerian and African cuisine and culture to an international audience.
“I wish to assure you that I fully endorse this festival and will ensure that the Ministry of Tourism provides the necessary support. Such initiatives are invaluable in promoting cultural exchange and enhancing the global profile of Nigerian and African cuisine and culture,” the Minister further stated.
The AfroFlavour Food Festival is also a prestigious event that celebrates African culture, food, music, and art, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of the continent.
Commenting on the minister’s endorsement, AfroFlavour Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lucky Idike, CEO of Afro Flavour, expressed excitement over the development, as he assured that the events ‘will be a huge celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage,’
“We are thrilled to have the Minister’s support and the Ministry of Tourism of Nigeria’s endorsement. These festivals will be a huge celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage. For African Food Business enterprises, our Food Business Conference will be the first of a series of strategic learning interventions designed to provide them with ideas, knowledge, and skills to position African cuisine for global growth. “We strongly believe in Food tourism’s power to grow economies when handled skillfully.
“We are extremely grateful to our Sponsors and partners for their contributions to making this dream a reality. We salute Sterling Bank, NEXIM Bank, Nigeria Centre DC, Pearl Medical Group LLC, Swahili Village Group LLC, Zend Capital LLC and BooBam Eco-Friendly Products LLC,” Idike said.
According to Idike, his company aims to grow the global African Food industry through Festivals, Conferences, Advocacy and Specialised platforms like the African Export Pavilion.
“We will contribute to mainstreaming African cuisine into a billion-dollar market catalyzing Industrialization and Exports in African economies. As we do this, we aim to unite people across cultures, celebrate our diversity, and promote cross-cultural understanding and economic development,” he said.
