Fruit Fest Afrik “comes alive” in Rivers State

The much anticipated unveiling of Fruit Fest Afrik, took place on Saturday September 14, at Eldiz wine bar in the Government Reserved Area of Rivers State, with the creme de la creme in the entertainment and Government circles in attendance.

Addressing the crowd of dignitaries, the Director of Fruit Fest Afrik, Terry Ighosotu Ege, said: It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you all to the grand unveiling of the very first
Fruit Festival in Africa.

“Today, we gather to celebrate the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and
incredible bounty of nature that our region has to offer.

“This festival is not just a showcase of fruits; it is a celebration of our community’s hard work,
dedication, and passion for agriculture.

“Our farmers have toiled tirelessly to bring us the freshest and
most delicious produce, and today, we honor their efforts and the fruits of their labor.

“Our aim is to promote healthy living and encourage involvement in agricultural activities, both on
large and small scales, using entertainment as a tool to drive this cause.

“This, in turn, will boost
trade, tourism, youth engagement, and empowerment in the state.
It is with great pride that I announce this festival will be held in our very own rich city, the Garden
City of Port Harcourt, on the 7th of December at the prestigious Polo Club here in GRA, and the
theme for this year is tagged TROPICAL PARADISE.

“It is indeed fortuitous that as our organization was planning this event, we discovered that His
Excellency, Sir, Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS (The Executive Governor of Rivers State), has shown a keen
interest in boosting tourism activities and encouraging agricultural growth in the state.

“Knowing this,
we believe this project will be of great interest to him. As an organization, we are open to
sponsorship by the state government and look forward to collaborating with the Ministry of Culture
and Tourism as well as the Ministry of Agriculture to make this event a success.

“We have an array of activities lined up for you – a fruit-themed costume carnival and parade that
promises to be a visual delight, a fruit fashion runway show to determine who becomes the face of
Fruit Fest Afrik, fruit carving competitions, cooking demonstrations, games, vendor sales, and a
concert featuring various entertainment performances.

“But this festival is more than just fun and festivities. It is an opportunity for us to come together as a
community, support our local farmers, and promote healthy eating habits.

“By choosing to consume
locally grown fruits, we are not only nourishing our bodies but also supporting sustainable
agricultural practices and reducing our carbon footprint.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my team members and volunteers whose efforts and
input have brought us this far. Your dedication and support have been invaluable. This is just the
beginning, as the race is about to begin.

“Finally, I want to use this medium to call on the government, private parastatals, and individuals for
sponsorship and support.
In closing, I invite you all to immerse yourselves in the festivities, taste the delicious fruits, and
celebrate the abundance that our city has to offer.

Let us make this Fruit Festival a memorable event that will be cherished for years to come.
Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the evening.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Barrister, Ishmael Tomonialadieokuma, said the importance of fruits can not be overemphasized. Noting that everyone consume fruits despite their medical conditions, because of its benefits.

He stressed that people need to engage in meaningful activities, particularly the youths, whom he urged to emulate the laudable initiative of Terry Ege, in organising the Fruit Fest Afrik.

He also disclosed that the Ministry will partner with the organisers of the Fruit Fest Afrik, considering that the World Tourism Day is around the corner.

He said the World Tourism Day is scheduled to hold on September 27, at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt the State capital.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maurice Ogolo , said the days when Rivers State was known as the oil hub in the Country is gone, and the focus is now on Agriculture.

He stated that Governor Fubara, has declared an emergency in the Agricultural Sector, because Agriculture is the future.

He expressed concern that the average age of farmers in Nigeria is 60 years, which points to the fact that Nigerians are yet to get it right.

Ogolo urged youths to get involved in farming, especially now that smart farming is what is being practised, and assured the organisers of Government support towards having a successful event in December.

Also speaking, the MTN Representative, Prince Nnamdi Obi, commended the organisers for their initiative.

Award winning costumier Amb. Millicent Jack, thanked guests for attending the event and the partners for their support.

Other dignitaries at the unveiling include: the Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, Dr. Ken Osunwa, the founder of Rivers International Film Festival, RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo, the Chairman of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State, RIVPA, Gloria Boma Harry, and Director Tourism/Head of Department Tourism, Mr. Kobo Kenule.