ABAKALIKI – Mrs Josephine Elechi, wife of Ebonyi Governor, on Friday in Abakaliki, described culinary heritage as “key area to be nurtured and preserved in our culture.’’
Elechi stated this when she declared open the traditional cuisine segment at the ongoing National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Abakaliki.
She said the culinary segment of the event was an important aspect that promote the rich cultural delicacies of different states of the federation.
The governor’s wife, represented by Mrs Ugo Nnachi, the Ebonyi Head of Service, added that “this particular culinary aspect is very dear to us as an agrarian state; everything we do is about agriculture and the products will be put into use to savour every local delicacies showcased.’’
According to her, Ebonyi is an agrarian state with majority of its population engaged in farming and producing wide varieties of crops.
She said “Ebonyi features regularly in NAFEST and at other festivals, recording impressive results in its performances, coming home with laurels.
“In spite of differences in culture, we celebrate unity in diversity and our culinary heritage should be key aspect to be nurtured and preserved.’’
She commended the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mrs Dayo Keshi, and her team for the impressive show.
The NCAC boss said the culinary aspect of NAFEST was a key aspect of the festival that should be cherished.
She added that “the culinary heritage is connected to the traditional cooking of our forefathers, being replicated in modern times.
“Our traditional home methods are slowly going into extinction, but there are proven things to show that the sector must be given the right structure and funds to thrive.
“This is where our local food items and traditional cousines come in as critical aspects of our culture.
“These agricultural products will be put into use to savour every local delicacies showcased.’’
Keshi said NAFEST was an avenue for social integration and a bridge builder among participants from different ethnic and cultural settings to appreciate the cultural practices of others. (NAN)
