Chef Dr. Eric Mekwuye, President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), leads the Nigerian delegation to the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026. The event takes place in Banjul, The Gambia, from 15 October to 21 October 2026. Organizers expect the festival to feature delegates from approximately 35 countries.
APCN Culinary Leadership and Reach
High Chief Dr. Paulinus Okon founded the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria in 2011 to organize the nation's culinary professionals. The association currently represents culinary practitioners across more than 21 states in Nigeria.
Value Jet Airlines supports the delegation’s travel to the regional event. Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Value Jet Airlines, stated, "This collaboration is the beginning of new milestones for both organisations." These efforts align with the broader mission of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria to elevate the professional standards of its members. The organization continues to expand its reach within the country while participating in international gatherings such as the West Africa Food Festival.
Regional Collaboration and Festival Origins
The 11th edition of the International Culinary Summit took place in Abuja from 8 June to 12 June 2026. This gathering served as a platform for industry professionals to address regional standards and professional development. Regarding the origins of the current festival, the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria co-conceived the West Africa Food Festival with the Chef Association of Ghana in 2018. This partnership established a framework for collaborative regional events, aimed at promoting culinary traditions across West African nations. The inaugural cooperation between the two organizations preceded the current assembly in Banjul, reflecting long-term efforts to unify culinary practitioners through organized regional platforms.
Airline Partnership and Future Outlook
ValueJet serves as the official airline partner for the Nigerian delegation attending WAFFEST 2026. This arrangement facilitates the transportation of chefs and culinary representatives from Nigeria to the host city of Banjul for the duration of the festival.
The Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for WAFFEST 2027. Nigeria will serve as the host nation for the regional event next year, transitioning the festival platform to a domestic venue following the current assembly in The Gambia.