The President, Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Culture and Tourism (ACCCAT), Mr. Kehinde Quadri-Adu has tasked the erstwhile Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke and other persons chosen as Afro-Caribbean Culture Ambassadors on their roles and responsibilities.
Ezeoke who is also the immediate past President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Nigeria and others were given an award in recognition of their contributions to the development agenda of Africa as an Afro-Caribbean Culture Ambassador.
The event which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life was organized by ACCCAT) in Abuja recently.
Addressing participants at the occasion, the ACCCAT President congratulated the recipients on their formal inauguration as Afro-Caribbean Culture Ambassadors just as he noted their individual attributes that made them to be worthy of the award.
Quadri-Adu’s words: “Your selection is a recognition of your passion, credibility, and commitment to advancing the shared heritage and future of Africa and the Caribbean. Today, you join a distinguished network of cultural diplomats tasked with turning the idea of Afro-Caribbean unity into action, visibility, and economic opportunity”.
The ACCCAT President also used the occasion to charge them on their roles and responsibilities now that they are Afro-Caribbean Culture Ambassadors henceforth.
“Your role is both symbolic and practical. You are the bridge between our people, our markets and our stories. As Ambassadors, you are charged to promote Afro-Caribbean Culture as an economic asset, showcase our music, fashion, cuisine, film, arts, and tourism offerings as viable industries that create jobs and attract investment on both sides of the Atlantic”, he said.
According to him, they should advance integration under Agenda 2063. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions “an integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.” Your work directly supports aspiration 2 and 6—an integrated continent and a people-driven development. By fostering cultural exchange and people-to-people ties, you make continental integration real.
Similarly, he enjoined them to activate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), pointing out that culture and tourism are among the fastest-growing sectors under AfCFTA.
Said he: “You will help creative entrepreneurs and SMEs understand and access new markets, standards, and financing across 54 African countries and beyond.”
In the same vein, he enjoined them to unlock what he called “Caribbean opportunities for Africa” in the years ahead.
According to him, the Caribbean holds immense potentials in tourism, diaspora investments, creative industries, and blue economy initiatives. You are to facilitate partnerships, market access, and knowledge exchange that allow African creative and businesses to thrive in the Caribbean space, and vice versa.
Giving an insight into how to make the African continent great, he said: “Greatness comes not from declarations, but from consistent action. As Ambassadors, you make Africa and the Caribbean great when you. Create platforms that give young creative and entrepreneurs’ visibility and income. Document and share authentic African and Caribbean narratives to counter misrepresentation.
“Advocate for policy and investment that support the creative and tourism economy. Build partnerships that translate cultural affinity into trade, investment, and tourism flows. ACCCAT cannot achieve this mandate alone. I charge each of you to be fully ready to support and participate in all ACCCAT programmes, trade missions, cultural festivals, capacity building initiatives, and policy dialogues planned for 2026 and beyond. Your presence, voice, and networks are critical to our success.”
According to the ACCCAT President, beyond Africa and the Caribbean, your work contributes to making the world a better place. In a time of division, cultural diplomacy heals. In a time of economic uncertainty, creative enterprise creates opportunity. In a time of lost identity, you remind the world of the richness of Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Reposing confidence in all the awardees, Quadri-Adu said: “We believe in you. The continent believes in you. The diaspora is counting on you. Let us move forward together, with purpose, pride, and partnership, to build the Africa and Caribbean we want.”
