The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to attempt a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest dining table as part of the Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival scheduled for December, in Abuja.
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism’s (NIHOTOUR) Director-General, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, jointly unveiled the initiative at a global press conference on Thursday.
In keeping with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this year’s festival, themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture,” will highlight Nigeria’s rich culinary legacy and promote prospects in the nation’s hospitality and creative sector.
According to Dr. Fagade, the festival would include a 3.6-kilometer dining table that can accommodate 2,000–3,000 people.
The table will be used as a communal dining area in the evening after the record-breaking attempt on the morning of the event.
“We plan to break the record in the morning of December 6 and use the same table for a dining event later in the day.
“There will be food, culture, music, and comedy in the evening. It will show that Abuja can also host major cultural events in December,” Fagade said.
He further clarified that NIHOTOUR’s broader initiatives to improve Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality value chain through youth involvement, entrepreneurship, and skill development include the gastronomy festival.
“Through this festival, NIHOTOUR aims to empower youth in culinary and hospitality skills, create jobs, and promote innovation within the sector.
“It also provides an opportunity to attract investors and expand business prospects in food, hospitality, and agribusiness,” he stated.
Additionally, Dr. Fagade added that NIHOTOUR is partnering with private organisations to build technical capacity and improve professional standards in the hospitality industry.
Speaking as well, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa characterised the gastronomic festival as a crucial venue for youth development and economic inclusion in the creative industry.
Citing Nigerians’ inventive use of food to portray their identity, the Minister pointed out that food has developed into a potent tool for cultural diplomacy and national image-building.
“It’s remarkable how Nigerians use creativity to promote our identity and counter negative perception. This initiative aligns with our focus on economic growth and job creation in a culturally relevant way,” she said.
With the goal of showcasing Nigeria’s expanding impact in international cuisine, the week-long event will include exhibitions, culinary courses, cultural performances, food tastings, and investment discussions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will formally introduce the Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival and Guinness World Record attempt for the biggest dining table in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
