…organizers announces date for event, introduce new features to attract global recognition
By Joseph Treasure
Ekiti State is set to take the centre stage in global food, culture and agro-tourism as it prepares to host the 2026 World Iyan Carnival.
The 2026 edition targets Guinness World Records attempt of largest Iyan Pyramid and a massive celebration of African culinary heritage.
Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti, the convener of the World Iyan Carnival, Prince Ade Ajayi said the evet would be carried out in partnership with government and private organisations both within and outside Nigeria.
He announced that the grand finale of the carnival would hold on the 27th of December 2026 but several activities such as Omoge Iyan beauty pageant and Iyan challenge have commenced.
According to him, the event is positioned not merely as a cultural festival but as a major platform for agricultural investment, food security, tourism and economic development.
Prince Ajayi explained that a major attraction of this year’s edition will be a proposed Guinness World Records attempt involving the simultaneous pounding of yam using more than 100 traditional Odo iyán (mortar and pestle).
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his support for the initiative and his commitment to promoting the state as a destination for culture, agriculture, tourism and economic development.
They also extended a special invitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour, saying the carnival is designed to grow into an international celebration of African food and heritage.
Beyond the spectacle, Ajayi said the World Iyan Carnival has evolved into a platform connecting agriculture with commerce by bringing together farmers, food producers, processors, culinary experts, investors, tourism operators, businesses and communities.
He said the initiative is anchored on four major components: the World Iyan Carnival, the Iyan Challenge and Omoge Iyan Pageant, the 50 Million Yam Tuber Cultivation Initiative, the Afan Iyan Resort, and the Origin of Iyan Documentary.
The convener noted that the 50 Million Yam Tuber initiative is particularly aimed at strengthening yam production and food security across Nigeria while opening new opportunities for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
He added that the initiative had already generated increased investment interest in yam and food production in Ekiti, with the Ilaasa Yam Conditioning Centre attracting growing attention as a facility supporting yam production and processing
In addendum, the Administrative Officer of the Carnival, Abimbola Oluyede confirmed that the pounded yam would be assembled into a monumental pyramid, creating what she described as a spectacular cultural and culinary experience capable of attracting participants, tourists, investors and food enthusiasts.
She explained that the carnival depicts strength, love and unity of the Ekiti and the Yoruba race
According to her, the carnival will also feature the 100 Odo Iyan Legacy Project, through which individuals, companies and organisations can adopt traditional Odo iyán, with each adopted mortar carrying the name or identity of its sponsor.
She said the project is intended to create a lasting link between sponsors and African cultural heritage while supporting the broader objectives of the carnival.
She said:”The Iyan Challenge will equally continue across participating communities, with towns competing for the opportunity to represent their communities at the grand finale in Ekiti.
“The international dimension of the carnival is also expanding, with the organisers citing connections with Brazil, Grenada, Jamaica and other Caribbean communities as evidence of the growing global interest in African food and cultural heritage.
On his part, the Acting Director Centre for Processing a s Innovation, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti, Dr. Tolu Dada and the Omoge Iyan, Olayinka Adeleye called on governments, corporate organisations, farmers, investors, tourism stakeholders, culinary professionals, communities and individuals in Nigeria and the diaspora to participate in the historic celebration.
