China, S/Africa, Spain, Others Celebrate Nigerian Cuisine At 2024 Gastronomy Festival In Abuja

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Peoples Republic of China, South Africa and Spain were among countries that and participated in the 2024 Gastronomy Festival organized by National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism otherwise known as (NIHOTOUR) on Friday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Declaring open the event, the Minister of Tourism, noted that in line with the theme of this year’s festival ‘From Farm to Table’, the message to all is to eat healthy.

Represented by Jibike Teniola, her Special Adviser on policy, the Minister said eating healthy would make the people live longer.

“The message to all of us is to eat healthy, to eat fresh, to eat devoid of preservatives and live longer” she said.

Also, in his remarks, Folurunsho Coker, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) said the event such as the Gastronomy festival would bring closure to the debate about the debate between Nigerian and Ghanian jollof rice, which one tastes better.

Coker said she is looking forward to the time when the world would gather in Nigeria to enable the country compare notes with the rest countries of the world and have them taste what the Nigeria has to offer.

Also speaking, Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said that China and Nigeria are well-know for their splendid culture, they have so many similarities in many fields, including the field of gastronomy.

Xuda noted that NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival is becoming more and more popular and influential in Nigeria.

“Today we’re so happy to get together at A-Class Park and Recreation to witness the grand opening of 2024 “NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival”, As one of the partners of this fabulous yearly event, please allow me to express my warmest congratulations at this exciting moment!

“In 2016, the UN General Assembly designated June 18” as an international observance for Sustainable Gastronomy Day. That’s really a great decision which acknowledges gastronomy as a cultural expression related to the natural and cultural diversity of the world.

“We’re aware that food culture is an important part of our culture. Lots of people know that China and Nigeria are well-know for their splendid culture, they have so many similarities in many fields, including the field of gastronomy. Since both countries have vast land and abundant resources, each region has different climate and agricultural products.

“Our food culture has formed since the ancient time and has already been deeply rooted in our traditional culture, the rapid social development in recent decades has laid a solid foundation for China and Nigeria’s food culture. On this solid foundation, I’m convinced that in the future, our food culture will be better developed, our people’s living standard will be further improved, and our two countries’ sustainable development will be greatly promoted!

“Since 2021, NIHOTOUR, in collaboration with so many stakeholders and partners, including the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, has successfully held Gastronomy Day Celebration each year. We are very delighted to see that the Gastronomy Day Celebration continue this year, the scale of the event has grown, and the yearly celebration has already become NINOTOUR Gastronomy Festival, a masterpiece of Gastronomy Tourism that attracts thousands of visitors and tourists! This year, China, Spain, Senegal, Congo DR, Trinidad and Tobago and others are Very proud to be part of the festival.

“From these exciting news, we find that NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival is becoming more and more popular and influential in Nigeria. I do hope all Our guests can taste delicious food, experience different culture, and appreciate the beauty of Diversity in Harmony during the Festival!” He said.

The event also featured Cake decoration competition where about nine schools participated even as dignitaries moved around the various boots to have a taste of the cuisine on display.

Other countries that participated at the event include Congo, Trinidad and Tobago, and all the the geo-political zones of the federation.