ValueJet, a Nigerian airline, has partnered with the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (ACPN) to support the group’s participation in the 2026 edition of the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) in The Gambia.

The partnership would see ValueJet provide discounted airfares for members of the association travelling to the festival, a gesture the ACPN said would help facilitate Nigerian participation in the international event.

The festival, scheduled for October 15 to 21, 2026, in Banjul, would bring together chefs, culinary professionals, food enthusiasts and cultural practitioners from more than 22 countries to celebrate West Africa’s culinary heritage and cultural diversity.

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director of ValueJet, Omololu Majekodunmi, said the collaboration reflected the airline’s appreciation for culinary professionals and its commitment to supporting organisations that promote Nigeria’s image internationally.

He said the partnership with the ACPN would give the airline an opportunity to demonstrate its support for chefs and their contributions to society, and he expressed optimism that the relationship would lead to further collaborations.

He added that ValueJet had established partnerships with other major Nigerian organisations, including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as part of its engagements with institutions promoting national development.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, the President of ACPN, Dr Eric Mukwuye, said Nigeria had considerable culinary and cultural assets that could attract international attention if properly documented, promoted and supported by the government.

Mukwuye noted that Nigerian chefs were making efforts to promote the country’s indigenous cuisine, but required stronger institutional backing to maximise their contributions to tourism, cultural preservation and economic development.

He said the association had recorded growing government interest in its activities, citing the participation of government representatives and tourism officials in the delegation to The Gambia.

He explained that the airline’s discount would enable greater participation from Nigeria and other neighbouring African countries.

He added: “However, there is the need for better coordination between government agencies and industry practitioners, particularly in developing policies and regulations affecting the hospitality and culinary sectors.

“Professional associations should be consulted in formulating regulations because practitioners possess the technical knowledge required to develop workable policies for their industries. We need the government to help us regulate properly and support real education.”

Besides, the ACPN President urged the government to move beyond short-term empowerment programmes and provide well-organised vocational education that equips trainees with employable skills and helps them establish sustainable businesses.

He warned that hotels and other hospitality businesses could face difficulties recruiting and retaining skilled workers if the industry failed to address concerns over remuneration, career prospects and professional training.