Jollof War Continues at 13th Akwaaba, Calabar to Showcase Carnival

Demola Ojo

On the African culinary scene, 2017 has been dominated by the Jollof rice war, as citizens of a few West African countries lay claim to the best Jollof rice recipe. With the jury still out, the war has found its way to West Africa’s leading travel expo, the Akwaaba Africa Travel Market.

As the highlight of Akwaaba’s maiden Chef Challenge and Food Fair, the Jollof War will host chefs from Ghana, Gambia and Nigeria.]

36 states in Nigeria compete for the best main meal and a group of Nigerian chefs compete for the best prepared rice in varieties. These activities were created purposely to bring out the best in West Africa in terms of rice production and promoting the outlook of culinary tourism and local delicacies to foreigners thereby promoting indigenous hospitality and style.

The Chef Challenge will be declared open by the DG of National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe.

The Chef Challenge at Akwaaba follows hot on the heels of the Jollof rice challenge organized by the Ghanaian Tourism Authority (GTA) at Legon Botanical Garden.

The competition, which featured Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria and Senegal, formed part of the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, and Feel Ghana” campaign being championed by the GTA. It also served as a selection process for the Ghana Chef Association to choose the five chefs coming to Lagos for Akwaaba.

Meanwhile, Cross River State has confirmed the participation of Carnival Calabar at Akwaaba. This is music to the ears of those who have only seen the Carnival revelers on TV. The Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, will be leading a high powered team from Calabar to Lagos.

Akwaaba is a marketing platform to reach more of Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa as it offers opportunities to meet with airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, State tourism boards and representatives from national tourism boards.

Billed to hold from September 10-12 at Eko Hotel Lagos, it will feature a Youth in Tourism Conference; an Africa Travel and Tourism Conference will address topics such as “One year of Accident free commercial aviation. What did Africa do right?” and a Women in Tourism Conference among other events.

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