By Faridat Salifu
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has held a national food festival to celebrate Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, local food systems, and biodiversity.
The event, held on Wednesday at the Abuja Trade Center, showcased the diversity, flavors, and cultural significance of indigenous Nigerian foods.
Guests indulged in street foods like Suya and Masa, accompanied by flavorful Zobo and Kunu drinks, as well as authentic dishes such as Coconut Rice, Fufu, Pounded Yam, and Atama Soup all provided in abundance.
Joyce Brown, Director of Programs at HOMEF, explained that the festival was organized to highlight the importance of Nigeria’s and Africa’s indigenous foods amid growing consumption of ultra-processed modern foods, which research links to rising incidences of health issues.
She noted that many local seeds and crops are disappearing and emphasized the festival’s role in raising awareness about threats posed by GMOs to farmers’ rights and traditional food systems.
“The event calls on the government to support agroecology and ensure farmers have access to seeds, infrastructure, and resources needed to continue producing healthy, sustainable foods,” Brown said. “Food is not just nutrition—it is culture, heritage, and life itself. Protecting local seeds is critical to preserving these values.”
The festival also highlighted rare local varieties, such as the “Three Live Yam”, which are increasingly difficult to find.
Brown further stressed the need for stronger policies and enforcement under the National Biosafety Management Agency Act to regulate GMOs and protect Nigerian farmers’ interests.
The event’s outreach included educating parents and the public on the health benefits of local foods, encouraging healthier food choices, and promoting food sovereignty.
Participants were reminded that over-processed foods and GMOs have been linked to various diseases, including cancers and immune disorders, and contribute to environmental degradation.
Olamide Ogunlade Martins, Associate Director for Climate & Environment at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), added that Nigeria’s food system has been impacted by corporate influence, fossil fuel extraction, and environmental degradation.
He emphasized the need to embrace agroecology and organic farming while resisting the introduction of GMOs that threaten food sovereignty.
“This is a long battle,” Martins said, “but our aim is to return power to the people by enabling them to control their food systems and make choices that benefit their health, productivity, and the environment.”
Mariann Bassey Olsson, a key speaker at the festival, celebrated Africa’s rich culinary heritage, saying, “In Nigeria and Africa, almost all ceremonies involve food. Food connects us, preserves culture, and defines our identity. Today, we proudly say our African food matters.”
The HOMEF Nigerian Local Foods Festival served as a platform to raise awareness, preserve local seeds, promote health, and celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant food culture, while urging policymakers to implement supportive regulations that ensure the sustainability of indigenous foods.
