By Baba Sillah
Four chefs on Wednesday left the shores of The Gambia for an annual Hospitality All Africa People’s Imbizo [Haap] festival in Nigeria.
It will run from 29 August to 2 September in Lagos, Nigeria.
The four cooks were invited by the Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria [APCN] with the support of the African Chefs United [ACU].
Speaking to The Standard shortly before their departure, Haruna Darboe, a participant and a member of ACU saluted the management of Gambia Tourism Board for paying their air tickets and other expenses.
He promised to raise the flag of The Gambia, together with his colleagues to “higher height”.
According to him, they are also working hard in preparation for the 2021 festival, which The Gambia is expected to host.
Haap is an African festival celebrating the indigenous foods, exotic drinks, arts and heritage of the people of Africa.
During their visit, the Gambian cooks will be involved in different activities including ‘Student Challenge,’ a culinary competition among representatives of students of culinary academies from the various participating countries, cooking demonstrations showcasing authentic dishes to promote their country’s tourism and culture, networking among chefs and other influential players in the hospitality and tourism sub-sector.
There will also be seminars on “Economic Value of Food Culture as a Legitimate Influence on the Promotion of Tourism,” and speakers will include major players within the culture, hospitality and tourism sectors.
During the five-day event, there will also be a Barbeque Challenge on the last day of the event which will be hosted on one of the various coastal beach fronts of Lagos.
