The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has thrown her weight behind the food tourism festival aimed at empowering over 100,000 Nigerians.
Tagged the ‘Kilishi Kulture Food Tourism Festival’, the initiative is also aimed to boost $10bn halal economic growth for sustainable development.
Senator Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial district in the Senate, emphasised the initiative’s role in fostering intra-African trade.
“The Kilishi Kulture Africa Initiative serves as a unique tool to accelerate the halal economy potential for cultural diplomacy, promoting intra-African trade and unlocking economic opportunities through our shared culinary heritage,” she noted.
“By connecting African nations through food tourism, we not only celebrate our cultural richness but also drive regional collaboration for food security and economic growth across the continent, by creating pathways to mobilize market-driven investment mechanisms for sustainable development.”
Victor Wilkinson Agih, Lead Managing Partner and Green Marketplace Development expert for the Kilishi Kulture Africa Festival, surmised that at the heart of the Kilishi Kulture Africa Initiative is the celebration and promotion of the ‘biggest and greenest’ Kilishi heritage food tourism festival – a halal economy marketplace commodity that is celebrated across Africa.
He remarked that as a symbol of cultural heritage and culinary excellence, Kilishi embodies the essence of Africa’s shared food history.
Mr. Badamasi S. Burji, Managing Director/CEO of First-Class Refreshments Ltd., who spoke in the same vein, noted that the promotion of Africa’s rich culinary would not only boost local economies but also create collaborative opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, fostering an environment where shared success thrives.
Key Impact Gains of the Kilishi Kulture Festival includes the distribution of 10 Million Food Security Packs, enhancing food accessibility and security across communities by providing 10 million food security packs to those in need.
It includes 10 Million Trees Ecopledge: In a commitment to sustainability, the planting of 10 million trees, helping to offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint associated with the food production value chain.
The initiative highlights the significant potential for generating up to $100 billion in revenue from the Pan African Kilishi Marketplace opportunities within the Halal economy, fostering economic growth and collaboration among African nations.
As part of its commitment to community welfare, the festival will provide over 10 million free healthcare wallets, ensuring access to essential healthcare services for underserved populations.
The initiative is anchored on the belief that by celebrating our food heritage, we can create meaningful economic opportunities and strengthen ties across African nations.
