WASCA to reward coffee-promoting institutions, Ambassadors

Chinedum Ihedigbo

West Africa Specialty Coffee Association (WASCA) has concluded plans to present awards to Coffee-promoting institutions and those it has identified as Ambassadors in the country.

Institutions like the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) have been at the forefront of promoting and sustaining the production of Coffee, among other commodities in the country. Some representative state Ministries of Agriculture will similarly be honoured.

According to the President and Managing Partner of WASCA, Larry Segun-Lean, said, “The Coffee Ambassadors are being celebrated for their visionary leadership and profound contributions to the agricultural sector, especially Coffee production and export”.

He described their dedication to advancing coffee and tea industries not only in Nigeria, but also across West Africa, as a beacon of inspiration which was worthy of recognition.

The WASCA 2023 World Coffee and Tea Expo is scheduled for October 23 and 24 at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Nurudeen Olowopopo Way in Alausa, Ikeja.

With the theme: ‘Exploring Circular Economy and Regenerative Coffee and Tea Agriculture, the Expo is expected to attract coffee growers and exporters, café shops, relevant government institutions and policy makers, and even coffee consumers from all over the country.

Speakers at the event include the  Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Regional Coordinator, South West, Lagos, Mr. Tunde Folorunso, National Vice President  NASSI  Mr. Segun Kuti-George, Coffee Expert, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. Taiwo Orisasona, the Chairman, National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN), Oyo State, Alhaji Salihu Imam, and Mr. Clement Akhimien, Agricultural Division of the National Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). Other speakers from Nigeria are: Comfort Aruosa-Osemwingie, Chief Dealmaker and Founder/ CEO, Dealroom Nigeria, as well as David Lanre Messan, multiple award-winner and CEO, FirstFounders

Others are the President, Coffee Federation of Ghana, Chief Nathaniel Ebo Nsarko, Managing Director, Marketing & Membership, Alliance for Coffee Excellence and Cup of Excellence, USA, Anna Abatzoglou, President, Canadian ASEAN Business and Trade Association (CABTA), Cora dela Cruz, Director, Green Gold Biotechnology Engineering Company Ltd., Taiwan, Allen Yang as well as Julian Baricuatro, Co-Founder & Director, WASCA & World Super foods Expo, Canada.