By Ephraim Oseji

The African Farmers and Cultural Organization (AFCO) has officially designated distinguished retired naval officer and former Military Administrator, His Excellency High Chief Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (Rtd), as the AFCO Global Ambassador of Culture and the Chief Host of the upcoming landmark event: the African Food Security Combat Summit and Pan-African Produce and Cultural Festival (PAC-FEST 2026/27) Flag-Off Launch.

The high-profile flag-off launch is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The official appointment and award presentation were conducted by a high-powered AFCO delegation, which includes Prince Chukwunwike Moses Esiole – AFCO President; Mr. Samuel Oluwasanmi Fasanmi – AFCO Ogun State & Southwest Nigeria Coordinator; and Mrs. Viviana Nwomonoh – AFCO Director for Membership

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, AFCO President Prince Chukwunwike Moses Esiole highlighted the strategic importance of Captain Raji’s appointment:

“Appointing a leader of Captain Raji’s caliber as our Global Ambassador of Culture and Chief Host is a monumental milestone for AFCO. 

‘’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 remark, Captain Rasheed Raji, said: “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. 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 Rasheed Adisa Raji brings a powerful legacy of military discipline, public administration, and community development to this crucial Pan-African initiative. 

His proven track record includes serving as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State, where he spearheaded transformative infrastructure projects like the historic “Raji Quarters,” and later leading Sokoto State, where he championed women’s continuing education and successfully integrated traditional rulers into governance. 

Today, as a respected traditional title holder in Ogun State, he serves as a cultural pillar and a bridge connecting agricultural sustainability with African heritage.