Prof. Sola Aliu extended a warm welcome to intending delegates, stakeholders, government agencies for the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place in Cross River and Uyo from October 6th to 11th, 2024.

He delivered this compelling speech at the National Stakeholders Preparatory Lunch in Observance of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (UNIDADAIT) 2024. 

The theme of the event was “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Food Security for All, Zero Hunger, Education, and No Poverty should be Our Target and Goal to Say No to Drug Abuse.”

In his inspiring address, Prof. Aliu underscored the festival’s vital role in raising awareness about drug abuse prevention and the significance of food preservation. He poignantly noted, "Drugs cannot work effectively without quality food security."

He passionately highlighted the urgent need to preserve Africa's rich culinary heritage, lamenting the decline of beloved traditional foods like kilishi from the north, dodo Ikire, and akara Ogbomosho in the south West. These delicacies, he warned, are facing extinction due to the lack of adequate preservation methods.

Drawing a parallel with the renowned Ojude Oba festival, Prof. Aliu declared, "Our heritage is our culture. What are we passing on to our children and the younger generation?" He emphasized that one of the festival’s primary goals is to bridge the gap between generations by reintroducing time-honored preservation techniques to the youth, ensuring that these cherished traditions endure.

The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival promises to be a celebration of heritage, education, and community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural and culinary treasures of Africa.