Katsina State Government will host 2025 Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) Food and Cultural Festival themed “African Cultural Values and Food Security for Peace and Development” to attract diaspora and Nigeria investors.
This was disclosed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda during a joint meeting with ECOWAS Food and Cultural delegation held at General Muhammadu Buhari (Government) House, Katsina.
Governor Radda on behalf of Government and People of Katsina State, expressed gratitude to the delegation for selecting the state to host the event describing the significance of gastronomy as a vital and sustainable component of the agricultural value chain and its potentiality to foster peace and development across the region.
Radda further said “The people of Katsina are known for their hospitality, and we look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from Nigeria and other ECOWAS countries. Cultural events and diplomacy have the power to reduce unnecessary tensions and instead focus on socioeconomic development, food security, and peace.”
He consequently tasked the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau, Dr Kabir Ali Masanawa to elevates the state’s profile on cultural preservation and tourism to a global level.
Speaking at the meeting, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival and former United Nations Student Representative, Ambassador Prince Felix Ihonre appreciated Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for the warm reception and support.
Prince Felix Ihonre acknowledged Katsina State History and Culture Bureau’s the proposed venue of the event as “the best facility of its size and capacity in the country.”
Prince Ihonre reiterated that, the festival would attract investors in agriculture, particularly from the diaspora and within Nigeria for the purpose of boosting the region’s economic prospects.
Also speaking, Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa said the significant economic benefits of hosting the festival would draw thousands of visitors. assuring that, the festival would also create opportunities for local markets, tourism, logistics, and industries as well as drive demand for hospitality services, food, and transportation.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders such as:- Chief of Staff to Governor Dikko Radda, Right Honourable Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua; Director-General of
Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Jikamshi and General Manager of Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA), Alhaji Haruna Musa Rugoji.
