The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was on Thursday agog as the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Abuja chapter held its first carnival, where producers of bread displayed varieties for customers.

Mr Ishaq Abdulraheem, Chairman, Association of Abuja Master Bakers, said he was happy seeing the carnival actualized.

The carnival is tagged, “Providing an opportunity for a long term sustainable solution to bakery industry challenges”.

Abdulraheem expressed satisfaction for the level of turnout of members, saying “because of what I am seeing displayed here today, I am satisfied for the first time”.

The chairman said the first edition of the carnival did not come easy, stressing that despite all odds, he was happy the carnival sailed through.

“When you are making plans, you are bound to face challenges and issues, thinking it’s not possible but we all stood up and today it’s a reality,” he said.

Abdulraheem said the idea behind the carnival was to unite members in order to get their products at the lower cost, adding that everybody that had to do with production of bread was at the carnival.

Speaking on the high prices of bread, he said the raw materials used in producing bread had increased astronomically.

According to Abdulraheem, the sugar he bought at N29,000 a week ago now costs N31,000 in the market.

On the new CBN policy regarding weekly withdrawal, he said though it would affect businesses, it is a laudable move, because it would encourage cashless policy and the use of e-naira wallet.

“Government has its own understanding, I think they want to do cashless policy where you won’t have to carry too much cash which is better,” Abdulraheem said.

This according to him, will bring about easy business and reduce the number of dirty notes in circulation.

Mrs Bukola Adewumi, the Chief Executive Officer, Nextar Bread, commended the carnival organisers, stressing that it would further help to unite members in a bid to fight a common cause.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the bread btands on display include, Chico, Zuma, Oak, Jethro, Lims, Mabu among others.

NAN also reports that some of the producers of flour also displayed their products and this include: Crown Mill, Premium, Mam Gold, and Dangote. (NAN)