Creative Industry

NIHOTOUR Gears Up For World Gastronomy Day, Hosts Cooking, Essay Competitions

Published

5 years ago

February 1, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is gearing up for a successful hosting of the United Nations World Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2022, the second edition in the country scheduled for Saturday, 18th June 2022 at the Abuja International Conference Centre, Abuja.

In a press statement issued by Director, Media And Public Relations, Ahmed Mohammed Sule revealed that NIHOTOUR Director-General Nura Sani Kangiwa said the 2022 edition of the event which promises to be educative and entertaining, is loaded with a series of culinary activities to justify the objectives for the observance of the Day and seeks to promote the art of food preparation and consumption by different cultures in a sustainable manner.

According to the statement, the Sustainable Gastronomy Day event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and participation by various Catering Schools, Food Vendors, Popular Eateries and leading Hospitality and Beverage Brands, Secondary Schools offering Tourism subjects and exhibitions by NIHOTOUR Hospitality Department as well as a culinary display by Embassies and Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria.

“Gastronomy, which is a cultural expression of nations through their food choices, sources of ingredients and types of cuisines that thrives in culturally rich destinations like Nigeria as the most competitive Gastronomy tourist destination in Africa, is celebrated on the 18th of June every year following the December 21st, 2016 United Nations General Assembly, Resolution 71/246 which adopted and declared that the 18th June of every year is observed as a Sustainable Gastronomy Day.

“The Concept of Sustainable Gastronomy which seeks to promote cultural cuisines and sustainable diets, compels hospitality service providers and ‘food tourists’ to focus on the variety and benefits of native ingredients in local cuisines as well as enhance sustainable production, consumption and to highlight humanity’s variety of food systems, was first observed in 2017, making this year’s observance the sixth globally, and the second in Nigeria, with NIHOTOUR as the nation’s apex public Agency responsible for training, research and regulation of professional practice in the Travel-Tourism and Hospitality industry, championing the successful hosting of the event in 2021.

According to a report made available to the press, quite a number of activities are being lined up for the celebration of the 2022 edition which includes a cooking competition among Catering Schools in FCT, an Essay writing challenge for Secondary Schools offering Tourism as well as a spotlight on leading hospitality brands and tourism business operators in Nigeria.

The event also offers a remarkable opportunity for Embassies and Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria to exhibit the traditional cuisines of their respective countries by showcasing, sharing, educating, and informing the world of their rich diversity in food and beverages.

Activities of the observance day will be rounded up in the evening with a live musical performance by leading Nigerian artists during which prizes will be distributed to winners of the Cooking and Essay Writing Competitions.

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Creative Industry

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

1 week ago

November 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.

Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.

CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.

Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”

On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.

Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.

CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.

The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.

CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.

CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.

“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.

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