FCT residents connect over variety of African food
Food
By Anita Eboigbe
Abuja, July 16, 2018 (NAN) Diverse African foods and drinks brought some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) together the 2018 ‘Abuja Food Expo’.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event tagged ‘Summer Rave’ marked the beginning of the summer holiday in Abuja on Sunday.
It also included eccentric display of food, music, fashion and dance.
Guests from all walks of life, most of whom wore breezy and colourful silky outfits, were seen moving from one food vendor to another tasting and buying food.
The crowded arena saw vendors display beautifully garnished African snacks including peppered snails and goat meat (Asun), roasted plantain and yam, pepper soup, Ofada rice, fish and shrimps.
NAN also reports that while guests munched the snacks, they also had a variety of finger foods including puff-puff, ‘masa’ and flavoured drinks such as Zobo and slushes to choose from.
Expressing excitement over the activities at the event, some respondents said that they were glad that the 2018 summer holidays started on a fun note.
They added that it was wise to unwind with so much food and music after a very hectic first half of the year.
Joseph Adeyinka, a graphics designer who came with four of his friends told NAN that he felt relaxed to party alongside other young people.
“If you look around here, you will find a lot of young people who just want to unwind and it is relaxing to be here.
This year has been hectic and it’s just lovely to have this kind of fun,” he said.
Rebecca Inyang, a medical doctor admitted that she came to have a fill of the best food and drinks available.
“This is what food expo is known for – eat, shop and dance. I don’t get to do this every day and I am really excited to take this break.
“I have eaten a lot of peppered food and cookies. The food is just amazing,” she said.
Meanwhile, some vendors at the event told NAN that they made huge sales and networks from the crowd of guests that attended.
Gift Onyebuchi, a finger food vendor excitedly expressed her delight on the huge sales turnover she made at the event.
“To be honest, this event is timely. I have almost finished the batch of small chops I
brought here and I am scrambling to get more ingredients.
“This year’s event is really amazing. The turnout despite the rain and the interest in finger foods this year is really encouraging,” Onyebuchi said.
Similarly, Tony Norris, a mixologist and cocktail vendor said that he sold all the special mixes he had prepared for the event.
“This year is super amazing. Abuja people really came out to unwind and it is satisfying to see hard work pay. All our special mixes have been sold out,” he said.
NAN reports that football fans had the chance to watch the World Cup 2018 finals between Croatia and France at the event.
The food expo, which is in its 13th edition, also featured musical performances by upcoming Abuja artists, face painting and clothes sales. (NAN)
AEE/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi