…as Onisan commends Organizers of world Iyan Carnival
Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, on Thursday hosted the World Iyan Day Challenge, a celebration of yam as a key part of Ekiti cultural heritage and a platform for agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship and tourism.
The event brought together the management and students of the institution, traditional leaders, organisers and community members.
On arrival, the World Iyan Day team toured the Polytechnic’s Skill Development and Demonstration Centres, where they inspected facilities including kitchens and tailoring workshops. Students were seen producing duffel bags, throw pillows and other items, showcasing the institution’s practical and entrepreneurial training. The team also visited the venue for the pounded yam preparation and captured drone footage of the campus for documentation.
The team later paid a courtesy visit to the Rector. The Convener of World Iyan Day, Prince Ade Ajayi, said the initiative seeks to promote Nigerian heritage, particularly yam culture, while linking it with agriculture, innovation, tourism and economic opportunities.
He noted that the project had previously spotlighted the Ilasha Resort, linked to former Governor Segun Oni, as part of efforts to revitalise underutilised assets in the state, describing Ekiti State Polytechnic as another largely untapped resource with huge potential.
Discussions also focused on the Polytechnic’s proposed Pre-ND programme and the proposal for the institution to serve as host for future editions of the challenge, with participation from other institutions.
Welcoming the team, the Rector thanked the organisers and pledged the institution’s willingness to explore meaningful partnerships. The Deputy Rector joined in discussions on yam production, processing and development of improved varieties.
At the main event, anchored by Mr. Martins Olowoyo, participants observed the National Anthem, Ekiti State Anthem and the Polytechnic Anthem. The ceremony also featured the introduction of “Omoge Iyan” to add cultural colour.
In his remarks, the Dean of Agricultural Technology, Dr. Ade Ajayi, commended the Rector and management for hosting the event, noting that Ekiti State Polytechnic took the lead among several interested institutions. He spoke on the agricultural potential of Isan-Ekiti and the vision of positioning the town as the world’s largest producer of clay pots.
The Rector, in his address, said the Polytechnic’s vision goes beyond yam cultivation to exploring the entire value chain – from cultivation and processing to commercialisation and global projection of Ekiti’s agricultural heritage. He announced plans to showcase the institution’s processing facilities and introduce new yam seedlings, stressing the need to turn cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunities. He thereafter declared the carnival open.
The highlight was the Iyan Pageant and Iyan Challenge. Contestants displayed cultural knowledge, dance and pounded yam skills.
Olowookere Tofunmi won the pageant, Adeyeye Hosea of the Department of Public Administration won the students’ challenge, while Mr. Toba won the staff category. The three winners will represent the Polytechnic at the World Iyan Day grand finale scheduled for December 27.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Rector appreciated the Rector for supporting the programme and commended the organising committee, expressing optimism that the collaboration would open greater opportunities for the institution.
Prince Ajayi also thanked the management, students and participants, reiterating commitment to promoting the Polytechnic on a wider platform.
As part of preparations for the December 27 worldwide finale, the team visited the Onisan of Isan Kingdom, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, at his palace.
Mr. Olowoyo introduced the Rector and Deputy Rector to the monarch, while the Rector explained the significance of the Iyan Carnival and the global finale, describing it as a celebration of Yoruba and Nigerian heritage with huge cultural and economic potential. He also disclosed plans to provide improved yam seedlings to boost yam production in the community.
Responding, the Onisan of Isan EKiti, Oba Adejuwon accepted the Omoge Iyan crown presentation, pledged community support including its own Odi Iyan, and promised to attend the December 27 grand finale.
The organisers said the Challenge demonstrated how education, culture, agriculture and entrepreneurship can be harnessed to preserve heritage while driving economic development and youth empowerment.
