By Ikenna Uwadileke
The Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria (APCN), has appealed to government at all levels to support the profession critical to the development of the sector in Nigeria.
The President of the association, Chef Paulinus Okon, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Okon said that the appeal became necessary in view of the need to advance the culinary profession and promote Nigeria’s food culture.
The president said it was important that governments throw their weight behind the association to develop the profession and promote Nigerian food culture.
He also appealed for the support of corporate bodies as well as individuals.
While sharing Team Nigeria’s experience at the food festival in Ghana, he described the journey as an interesting one and worthwhile.
Okon said that more support from the government would have earned them more laurels.
He said team Nigeria chefs won two gold and two silver medals at the event, which recorded the participation of 13 West African countries.
“The competition helped to upgrade the professionalism of our members, build self-confidence and passion,’’ he said
While commending the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) for the support, he said that more would be needed for the association to move to next level.
“The association needs more support from the government because what we are doing is to promote our cultural heritage and portray the good image of our country.
“Our journey to Ghana was hectic, we sponsored ourselves and it was not just cooking dishes but to also display our national dishes and that is also a way of showcasing our own food.
“It was so stressful and upon return with those positions we expected the government to welcome us. Early this year we contributed money to organise our own congress and it was not easy.
“So, the government should come in to support the association so that we can position ourselves well,” he said
Okon further appealed for the establishment of a Ministry of Tourism to specifically promote tourism in the country.
According to him, tourism in Nigeria can grow and become more effective when we have an exclusive Tourism Ministry.
“There is no state in Nigeria that you travel to that there is no tourist attraction.
“The Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation has been emphasising on domestic tourism which will go a long way to interface the activities of the 36 states across Nigeria.
“This will create revenue for the state he or she is visiting and then he is going to come back with knowledge.
“So, if this interfaces across all the ministries we will begin to grow the domestic tourism and make money within ourselves,’’ Okon said. (NAN)