August 19, (THEWILL) – The Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism and Facilitator of the South-South Tourism Roundtable initiative, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, has said that the proposed food and cultural festival for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria would strengthen the regional bonds, foster peace and a common identity among member states.
Dr Kiyaramo who made the remark while speaking with newsmen shortly after the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival Local Organising Committee, led by the National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Senator Ibok Emmanuel Essien, who doubles as national chairman, Intergovernmental Affairs of the regional food and cultural festival visited Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State in Government House, Calabar on Tuesday.
The governor’s aide noted that food festivals all over the world celebrate ingredients, local dishes and culinary cultures. “Food festivals provide opportunities for communities to celebrate culinary arts and culture of a particular region. They typically feature a variety of food vendors, culinary demonstrations,and other food-related activities and events,” he said.
Otu said the public displays through the food exhibitions, the orgiastic consumption and playful way of dealing with food during such events actually provide the participants with illustrations of the fundamental importance of a food and cultural festival for the development of cultures, adding that food is an important part of any celebration in all nations of the world, regardless of culture or religion.
According to Kiyaramo, traditional recipes, passed down through generations, have equally helped to preserve the history and habits of people who prepare them. Immigrants also take food customs and recipes of their homeland with them wherever they go; helping them to deal with homesickness as well as pass their culture on to the generations that follow.
During the visit, Governor Otunhad assured the members of the Festival Organising Committee of his state’s readiness to support and co-host the regional culinary event.
