Organisers of the World Iyan Carnival have taken delivery of mortars and pestles ahead of the third edition of the cultural event scheduled to hold on December 27 in Ekiti State.
The mortars and pestles are expected to be used during the carnival’s yam-pounding activities, which form part of the efforts to showcase the cultural significance of iyan (pounded yam) and promote Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage.
Showcasing the items to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the convener of the World Iyan Carnival, Prince Ade Ajayi, called on Ekiti indigenes in the diaspora, prominent Yoruba personalities and other stakeholders across Nigeria to attend and support the initiative.
Ajayi also appealed to the state and federal governments, corporate organisations, investors and Nigerians in the diaspora to support the carnival, saying the third edition would feature an iyan pyramid display, cultural exhibitions, entertainment and other activities aimed at showcasing Ekiti’s heritage.
According to him, the carnival is designed to promote cultural preservation, hospitality, agro-tourism and entertainment, while also creating opportunities for economic development. He added that the organisers were working on an epic documentary on the origin and history of iyan in Africa.
Ajayi said the initiative had also helped to raise awareness about yam production in the state, claiming that more than 45 million tubers of yam were produced in Ekiti this year, with a target of 50 million tubers in the coming years.
The convener specifically appealed to sons and daughters of Ekiti State living abroad, eminent Yoruba leaders and personalities, traditional rulers, political leaders and business executives to return home and participate in the carnival.
He said their presence and support would contribute to establishing the event as an internationally recognised cultural attraction, while strengthening the connection between Ekiti indigenes and their cultural roots.
A former Chairman of the Ondo State Tourism Board and Ekiti State Hospitality and Tourism Agency, Mr. Abayomi Owoseni, described the carnival as an opportunity to develop culinary tourism and attract more visitors to the state.
Owoseni urged the government and private sector to support the initiative, noting that increased tourist activities could benefit hotels, transport operators, traders and other businesses, while creating employment opportunities for residents.
Also speaking, a former Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Government on ICT and Data Policy, Mr. Oluwaseun Fakuade, alongside other stakeholders, including Pastor Alade Titus Alayode, Abimbola Oluyede and Mercy Ayeni, called for wider participation and investment in the project.
They said the proposed iyan pyramid and adoption initiative, which allows sponsors to have their names engraved on displayed items, could promote cultural pride, empower women and stimulate economic activities.
The organisers expressed optimism that the December 27 carnival would attract participants from across Nigeria, Africa and the diaspora, thereby positioning Ekiti State as a major destination for cultural and culinary tourism.
