CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Chief Solomon Aguene, Coordinator of the African Food Security Combat Summit and Pan-African Produce and Cultural Festival, PAC-FEST 2026/27, says the initiatives are designed to unite African stakeholders around agriculture, trade, and culture to tackle food insecurity on the continent.
Chief Aguene spoke during the flag-off launch held at the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“The AFCO Summit and PAC-FEST are platforms to mobilize African leaders, farmers, investors and cultural stakeholders to tackle food insecurity and showcase the wealth of African produce and heritage,” Chief Aguene stated.
“We are using this flag-off in Abeokuta to send a clear message that Africa’s future will be built on food security, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of our culture. With leaders like Captain Raji and the support of Chief Obasanjo, we are confident of a successful summit and festival that will inspire action across the continent.”
Chief Aguene also disclosed that he led a delegation to The Gambia where the group met with top government officials including the Speaker, Commissioners and other stakeholders to build support for the summit and festival.
At the event, His Excellency High Chief Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (Rtd) was appointed as the AFCO Global Ambassador of Culture and Chief Host for the historic PAC-FEST 2026/27 Flag-Off.
The appointment by the African Farmers and Cultural Organization, AFCO, tasks the distinguished retired naval officer and former Military Administrator with leading Nigeria’s hosting of the continental platform.
The official appointment and award presentation were conducted by a high-powered AFCO delegation led by Prince Chukwunwike Moses Esiole, AFCO President. He was joined by Mr. Samuel Oluwasanmi Fasanmi, AFCO Ogun State and Southwest Nigeria Coordinator, and Mrs. Viviana Ofulue Nwomonoh, AFCO Director for Membership.
Speaking at the presentation, Prince Esiole described the appointment as a strategic milestone for AFCO’s mission.
“Appointing a leader of Captain Raji’s caliber as our Global Ambassador of Culture and Chief Host is a monumental milestone for AFCO,” Prince Esiole stated.
“His lifelong dedication to national development, combined with his deep respect for traditional institutions, aligns perfectly with our core mission. Under his visionary guidance for this historic flag-off in Abeokuta, we are poised to ignite a continent-wide movement that will decisively combat food insecurity while celebrating the immense wealth of Pan-African produce and culture.”
In his acceptance remarks, Captain Raji expressed appreciation and described PAC-FEST as more than a celebration.
“I am honoured to serve as AFCO Global Ambassador of Culture and Chief Host. PAC-FEST is more than a festival—it is a movement,” Captain Raji said.
“From Abeokuta, we will show the world that Africa’s greatest strength lies in the power of her people, the richness of her culture, and the abundance of her land. Together, we will turn our farms, our food, and our heritage into the foundation of a prosperous Africa.”
Captain Raji brings decades of experience in military service, public administration, and community development. He served as Military Administrator of Bauchi State where he delivered infrastructure projects including the historic “Raji Quarters,” and later led Sokoto State where he championed women’s continuing education and integrated traditional rulers into governance.
Today, as a respected traditional title holder in Ogun State, Captain Raji serves as a cultural pillar connecting agricultural sustainability with African heritage.
The delegation also secured the endorsement of former President Olusegun Obasanjo during a visit to his Abeokuta residence. Chief Obasanjo commended the initiative and pledged support for both the AFCO Summit scheduled for 12-13 November 2026, and PAC-FEST 2027.
Organizers said further details on participation, exhibitions, and partnerships for AFCO Summit 2026 and PAC-FEST 2027 will be announced in the coming weeks.
