•EFCF Edo 2026 begins countdown
THE ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival (EFCF) Nigeria 2026 has entered its decisive phase ahead of its second edition holding October 27 to 31, in Benin City, Edo State.
Director Corporate Communications, ECOWAS Food & Cultural Festival, said the festival is more than a celebration of food and culture, describing it as a strategic platform connecting heritage, food security, tourism, creativity, enterprise, investment, youth development and regional integration.
According to him, the festival with the theme: “African Foods, Cultural Heritage, Peace and Security for Sustainable Development, Tourism and Economic Growth,” is built on a three-part philosophy of Heritage, Value and Opportunity.
He explained that heritage represents what communities have inherited, value emerges when those resources are developed into productive activity, and opportunity comes when that value reaches wider markets, investors and tourists.
He said the journey which began with the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, now moves to Benin City, noting that the transition reflects broader participation and stronger regional relevance.
“Uyo was the beginning. Edo is the next chapter. And from Edo, the vision continues towards a wider West African audience,” he stated.
The director said West Africa possesses extraordinary cultural wealth in food, music, fashion, crafts and festivals, adding that Benin City, with the legacy of the Benin Kingdom renowned for bronze and brass craftsmanship, provides a living heritage destination for the 2026 edition.
He stressed that culture possesses economic value, noting that traditional recipes can inspire food brands, indigenous crops can become commercial products and cultural performances can become tourism attractions.
“From farm to food. From food to market. From market to opportunity. African food is not simply something to consume. It is something to produce, process, brand, commercialise, export and build businesses around,” he stated.
He said the International Press Conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Abuja, will formally present the festival to the national and international media and unveil programmes, partnerships and investment opportunities.
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The director added that the Face of EFCF platform, designed beyond conventional beauty pageantry to emphasise cultural knowledge, intelligence and leadership, will produce young ambassadors to carry the festival’s message beyond Benin City.
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