…as Onisan commends Organizers of World Iyan carnival
The Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, has hosted the World Iyan Carnival Challenge as part of activities leading to the World Iyan Day grand finale scheduled for December 27, 2026.
The event, which brought together the institution’s management, students, traditional leadership, organisers and community members, celebrated yam as a core part of Ekiti and Yoruba cultural heritage while spotlighting opportunities in agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, education and tourism.
Upon arrival in Isan-Ekiti, the World Iyan Day team toured the Polytechnic’s Skill Development and Demonstration Centres. They inspected facilities including kitchens and tailoring workshops where students were engaged in practical activities, producing items such as duffel bags and throw pillows. The team also visited the venue where yam was being prepared and pounded for the challenge, with drone footage captured for documentation.
The team later paid a courtesy visit to the Rector, Dr. S. O. Ajeigbe. The Convener of the World Iyan Day Carnival, Prince Ade Ajayi, explained that the initiative seeks to promote Nigerian heritage, particularly yam culture, and connect it with innovation, agriculture, tourism and economic opportunities.
Prince Ajayi recalled the project’s earlier effort to draw attention to the Yam Conditioning Centre in Ilasha-Ekiti, established under former Governor Segun Oni, as part of efforts to revitalise underutilised resources in the state. He described Ekiti State Polytechnic as another valuable but largely untapped asset that deserves greater visibility and investment.
Discussions during the visit also centred on the Polytechnic’s proposed Pre-ND programme and the possibility of other institutions participating in future editions, with Ekiti State Polytechnic proposed as a host institution.
The Rector, Dr. Ajeigbe, welcomed the initiative and assured the team of the institution’s hospitality and readiness to explore meaningful partnerships. The Deputy Rector later joined discussions on yam production, processing and development of improved varieties with Dr. Toluwalase, Head of the Food Processing Unit.
The main programme commenced with the Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Martins Olowoyo, welcoming participants and introducing the Rector, Deputy Rector, management members and contestants. The National Anthem, Ekiti State Anthem and Ekiti State Polytechnic Anthem were observed, followed by the introduction of “Omoge Iyan,” which added cultural colour.
In his remarks, Prince Ade Ajayi thanked the Rector and management for hosting the challenge, noting that while several institutions had shown interest, Ekiti State Polytechnic took the lead. 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.
Delivering his address, Dr. Ajeigbe said the institution’s vision goes beyond planting yam to exploring the entire value chain — from cultivation and processing to innovation, commercialisation and projecting Ekiti’s heritage globally. He disclosed plans to showcase the Polytechnic’s processing facilities and introduce new yam seedlings, stressing the need to turn cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunities. He then declared the carnival open.
The highlight was the Omoge Iyan Pageant and Iyan Challenge, where contestants showcased their skills, confidence and knowledge of Iyan culture through dance and question-and-answer sessions.
Olowookere Tofunmi emerged winner of the Omoge Iyan Pageant, Adeyeye Hosea of the Department of Public Administration won the students’ Iyan Challenge, while Mr. Toba won the staff category. The three will represent the Polytechnic at the worldwide grand finale on December 27, 2026.
The celebration reached a climax as the Rector and Deputy Rector joined the winners in a celebratory dance.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Rector Dr. Ajayi thanked the Rector for approving the programme and commended the organising committee. Prince Ajayi also appreciated the management, students and participants, reiterating the initiative’s commitment to promoting the Polytechnic’s achievements and potential.
As part of preparations for the grand finale, the team visited the palace of the Onisan of Isan Kingdom, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon.
Mr. Olowoyo introduced the Rector and Deputy Rector to the monarch. The Rector explained the significance of the Iyan Carnival and the December 27 worldwide celebration, describing it as a showcase of Yoruba and Nigerian heritage with immense cultural and economic potential. He also spoke on plans to provide improved yam seedlings to boost yam production in the community.
Oba Adejuwon welcomed the initiative, accepted the Omoge Iyan crown presentation, pledged that the community would host its own Odo Iyan, and promised to attend the grand finale.
Organisers said the Isan-Ekiti challenge went beyond cultural celebration, providing a platform that linked education, agriculture, culture, innovation, entrepreneurship and community development, while strengthening collaboration between World Iyan Day, Ekiti State Polytechnic and the traditional institution ahead of the global finale.
