Leading events promotion company, Iconic Events Ltd, has announced His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ade-Oriyomi Akeem, Oyebo II, the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, as patron of Taste of Lagos, a festival of food, drinks and entertainment.
Taste of Lagos’s coordinator, Mr. Abiodun Fagbohun, made the announcement recently during the formal presentation of certificate of appointment to the monarch at his palace in Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos.
“Kabiyesi combines all attributes of a true leader and custodian of the tradition and culture of Egbin Kingdom and, indeed, the entire Yorubaland and, therefore, fits our profile of a patron of Taste of Lagos, which is an annual tourism and food security-focused event to promote the indigenous food culture of Lagos,” Fagbohun said, adding, “It is an event organised in support of the agenda of the Lagos State government on food security agenda as well as to draw international attention to and raise awareness of indigenous cuisines of Nigeria.”
He further explained that Taste of Lagos, which is endorsed by the Lagos State government, aims at celebrating the indigenous cuisines of Lagos whilst establishing the city of Lagos in the league of other famous city-based food and drinks festival such as Taste of Dubai; Taste of London; Taste of Cape Town, and Taste of Chicago among several others.
Responding, Oba Ade-Oriyomi expressed delight at being recognised as a leader in the promotion of the Yoruba tradition, saying, “Taste of Lagos is a brilliant and innovative idea to ensure that our local foods are properly celebrated, showcased and not allowed to become extinct in a new world that has become borderless.”
The mornach promised to put his wealth of experience and knowledge at the disposal of organisers of the event to ensure a successful hosting of the food fair in Lagos, the Centre of Excellence.
Oba Ade-Oriyomi will be formally inaugurated as the event patron at the Gala/ Award Night of the 2017 edition of Taste of Lagos, which will be graced by numerous celebrities and dignitaries in Lagos.
Apart from the usual foods and drinks exhibition, activities at Taste of Lagos 2017 will include daily food eating competition in five popular Nigerian cuisines consumed in Lagos, including pounded yam, amala, tuwo, ofada rice, akpu and eba. Lagosians will also have the opportunity to nominate their best indigenous food and snack restaurants for awards in categories such as Pounded Yam, Tuwo, Amala, Suya, Eba, Ofada Rice, Nkwobi, Akpu, Edikaikong Soup and Afang Soup.
Fagbohun explained that all stakeholders in the food and drink sector are expected at the four-day event, which will commence on June 28 and end with a Gala /Award Night on July 1, 2017.