Gambian High Commissioner, Ooni, honoured at SWAN, AIPS international celebration

It was a day of celebration and a renewal of bilateral, diplomatic and social ties, for The Gambia and Nigeria at the unveiling of this year’s International Diplomacy and Diversity on Food, Drinks, Music, Culture, Arts, Fashion and Dance fiesta, which held in Lagos recently.

Organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) and AIPS, it was held in partnership with the Office of the President of Gambia, UNESCO, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Sabre, UNDP, NBC, CarolKing Media Ltd (CML), Indomie Noodles, MOL, Gala, National Council for Arts and Culture.

The first female chairman of Lagos SWAN; head, PAACC and event convener, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, said one of the primary objectives of the now yearly event is to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen intra-African ties. “Intangible cultural practices, fostering mutual respect and understanding and also promoting cultural diversity, which is the major theme of our programmme,” she stated.

She further emphasised that “Partnership and collaboration on this beautiful cultural initiative will enhance the artistic innovations behind the initiative; it will add hope, values to culture sustainability and livelihood of culture heritage  and of course boost creative economy in a better manner.”

Global Diplomatic Cultural Awards were conferred on the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Amb. Mohamadou Musa Njie and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunnwusi Ojaja II. First daughter of afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Yeni Kuti was also awarded.

Delivering his keynote address, Njie said preserving respective cultures and heritage is non-negotiable, as they preserve our identities. Paying tribute to the Afro-beat industry, Njie said he is passionate about projecting African culture, as it is no secret that the continent is rich in cultural diversity which has the potential of boosting trade and tourism.

President, Interguide Academy, Dr. Grace Adegboyega, spoke on the benefits of food diplomacy, specifically on how it can break barriers, foster tourism and encourage unity.

According to her, food diplomacy is the strategic use of food to promote a nation’s cuisine and culture; build connections and foster favourable public relations.