Katsina State is set to become the focal point of culture and gastronomy in West Africa as it prepares to host the 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival with the theme: “African cultural values and food security for peace and development.”
The festival aims to celebrate regional heritage while addressing key issues like food security and economic growth, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Mohammed, in statement on Friday.
The announcement was made following a meeting between the ECOWAS Food and Cultural delegation and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda.
Expressing his gratitude for the selection of Katsina as the host, Gov. Radda highlighted the importance of food and culture in fostering peace and development across the ECOWAS sub-region.
“The people of Katsina are known for their hospitality and we look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from across Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region. Cultural events like this have the power to reduce tensions and focus on socio-economic development, food security, and peace,” the governor said.
To ensure the success of the festival, Gov. Radda has tasked the Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau, Dr. Kabir Masanawa, with elevating the state’s cultural and tourism profile on a global scale.
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Ambassador Felix Ihonre, Director-General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, commended Katsina’s preparations, describing the proposed venue as “the best facility of its size and capacity in the country.”
He also noted that the event will attract investors from both the Diaspora and within Nigeria, especially in agriculture, further boosting Katsina’s economic prospects.
“The festival will create opportunities across various sectors, including event management, local markets, tourism, logistics, and hospitality. It will also provide significant benefits to our youth and artisans,” Ihonre added.
Set to attract thousands of visitors from across West Africa, the 2025 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is expected to place Katsina State firmly on the map as a hub of culture, heritage, and economic growth.
