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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has officially endorsed the flagship initiative of the African Food Security and Cultural Festival (AFCO) ‘The African Food Security Combat Summit and the Pan-African Produce and Cultural Festival (PAC-FEST2027)’ flag-off launch.
The high-profile endorsement was formalised during a strategic courtesy visit by the AFCO management to Chief Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
During the visit, Chief Obasanjo was decorated and inducted as the AFCO International Grand Patron and Grand Mayor for Africa’s Food Security Combat in recognition of his enduring commitment to agricultural transformation, sustainable development, and Pan-African growth.
The summit and festiva flag-off launch, scheduled to hold on November 12 and 13, 2026, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, align directly with key global and continental development frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063: ‘The Africa We Want’.
Speaking on the imperative of continental agricultural self-reliance during the induction, former President Obasanjo noted: “Africa holds the key to its own sustainability. Achieving true food security requires a unified effort that blends our rich cultural heritage, indigenous agricultural strength, and modern innovation.
“The mission of AFCO aligns with our shared vision for a self-sufficient continent. I am honored to step into the role of International Grand Patron and Grand Mayor for Africa’s Food Security Combat, and I look forward to hosting Africa in Abeokuta this November as we chart a decisive path toward ending hunger and fostering sustainable growth under the AU Agenda 2063 framework.”
The delegation of AFCO management was led by His Excellency High Chief Captain Rasheed Raji (Rtd), AFCO Global Ambassador of Culture. The entourage included Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, AFCO stakeholders board member and chairman, Board of Trustees, Aguene Art Foundation; Prince Chukwunwike Esiole, AFCO Executive Director; Samuel Oluwasanmi Fasanmi, AFCO Ogun State Coordinator; Omeje Sunday, AFCO Director of Logistics and Welfare; Her Eminence Dr. Amb. Chinaza Jennifer Ugbaja, Global Director IFOPA an Affiliate partiner of AFCO,
Anita Ugochinyere Bernard, AFCO Turkish Coordinator, and Destiny Eseaga, AFCO Media and Strategic Communication Lead, among other key representatives.
Highlighting the scope and strategic importance of the upcoming double-header event, Prince Chukwunwike Esiole, Executive Director of AFCO, stated: “Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement and acceptance of the Grand Patron role represent a historic milestone for AFCO and the entire African continent.
“The African Food Security Combat Summit and PAC-FEST 2027 are designed to serve as a catalyst for actionable agricultural solutions, cross-border trade, and cultural integration. With His Excellency’s leadership and the support of our international partners, PAC-FEST will set a new benchmark for mobilizing stakeholders toward sustainable food systems and regional prosperity across Africa.”
The African Food Security Combat Summit and PAC-FEST 2027 will bring together heads of state, development partners, agricultural innovators, policymakers, cultural icons and private sector leaders to drive practical interventions for agricultural sustainability and economic integration across the continent.
