Ekiti State made a remarkable impression at the 2024 Gastronomy Festival, organized by the National Institute for Hotel and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) under the dynamic leadership of Alhaji Nura Kangiwa.
The event, aimed at promoting Nigerian traditional cuisines for global recognition, took place at the prestigious A-Class Park and Garden on Kashim Ibrahim Road, Abuja.
With over five thousand visitors, including representatives from more than 24 embassies and high commissions, the festival was a resounding success. High-profile attendees included Ministers of Tourism, Directors-General of various parastatals, and Senators, all of whom were eager to explore the rich culinary heritage on display.
Ekiti State stood out as a highlight of the festival, captivating attendees with its authentic pounded yam demonstration, presentation of 7 Ekiti traditional soups for eating pounded yam and recreating the hills of Ekiti with pounded yam
Under the leadership of Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, the delegation included Barrister Adegboyega Morakinyo, Executive Secretary, Olaoluwa Jinadu, Dolapo Ogunleye, and others. Ekiti State uniquely embodied the festival’s theme of “Farm to Table,” showcasing the journey of their renowned pounded yam from its raw ingredients to the delicious final dish.
Visitors were thrilled by the live pounded yam preparation at the Ekiti State stand and enthusiastically joined in the process, experiencing firsthand the traditional culinary techniques.
The excitement was palpable as Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, Special Adviser to the President on Tourism, Otunba Ayo Olumoko, ambassadors, and high commissioners all took part in pounding yam alongside the Ekiti delegation.
Making Ekiti State more exciting than the others was the spectacular performance of Olaniyi Enudunjuyo ,a foremost Ekiti traditional music crooner who thrilled the visitors with authentic Ekiti songs ,music and dance .
The presence of Ekiti State at the 2024 Gastronomy Festival not only highlighted the state’s rich cultural heritage but also underscored its commitment to promoting Nigerian traditional cuisines on a global stage. This successful representation is expected to enhance the global patronage of Nigerian dishes and position Ekiti State as a significant player in the culinary tourism sector.
The astounding performance of Ekiti State delegation so impressed an Ekiti indigene ,Mr Biodun Borishade who could not hid his feeling and had to declare that ‘ Honestly I am proud to be an Ekiti son. I am impressed with this representation of Ekiti by the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development. God bless Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji God bless Ekiti State ‘
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