In a stunning showcase of Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, the state recently hosted the debut edition of the World Iyan Carnival (WIC), an event designed to celebrate not just local traditions, but also usher in a new era of economic and agricultural transformation. The carnival, held at the Midas Arena in Ado-Ekiti, was a celebration of Iyan (pounded yam), a dish that holds deep significance for the people of Ekiti and a symbol of their agricultural prowess.
The event brought together a blend of cultural performances, culinary experiences, and forward-thinking agricultural initiatives, with the goal of using Ekiti’s cultural identity to drive tourism, economic growth, and agricultural innovation. The carnival was not just a feast for the eyes and stomach but also a platform for launching a groundbreaking agricultural financing model that aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s farming sector.
A Feast for the Senses
The festivities kicked off with a dazzling array of cultural displays from various ethnic groups, most notably the Ekiti and Idoma people, who showcased their traditional dances, songs, and crafts. The centerpiece of the carnival, however, was the Iyan — pounded yam, served in various forms, accompanied by a variety of soups that represent the culinary mastery of the Ekiti people. The dish, a staple in the region, is more than just food; it is an important part of Ekiti’s social fabric and a symbol of their agricultural strength.
“Iyan is not just a meal to us; it is the heartbeat of Ekiti culture. It’s what binds us together as a people,” said Mr. Ade Ajayi, the Convener of the World Iyan Carnival. “This event aims to not only celebrate this food but also turn it into a driving force for our economic development.”
In the spirit of promoting the state’s local cuisine, the event also featured a “Omoge Iyan” beauty pageant, where young women competed in various categories, adding a vibrant flair to the proceedings.
Transforming Ekiti’s Economic Landscape
But the World Iyan Carnival was not just about culture and food; it was about creating tangible solutions for Ekiti’s economic future. The theme of the carnival, “Agrotourism: A New Frontier For Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development,” underscored the state’s intent to capitalize on its cultural and agricultural heritage as a way to drive growth.
Mr. Ajayi explained that the carnival was built on four key transformative initiatives, each aimed at reshaping Ekiti’s economic landscape:
- The 50 Million Yam Tubers Cultivation Initiative – This ambitious plan seeks to cultivate 50 million yam tubers over the next several years, turning Ekiti into a global hub for yam production.
- Documenting the Origin of Iyan in Partnership with Netflix – A unique project that will tell the story of the dish’s cultural importance to the world through a documentary series on Netflix, bringing global attention to Ekiti’s agricultural legacy.
- Aafin Iyan Resort – A luxury agricultural resort dedicated to tourism, where visitors can experience farm-to-table dining, stay in eco-friendly accommodations, and participate in yam farming activities.
- The Annual Iyan Carnival – A recurring event that will serve as an international platform for showcasing Ekiti’s cultural heritage while also promoting agricultural innovation.
“This is just the beginning. We have a vision of transforming Ekiti into a global center for agrotourism, where visitors from all over the world can come to experience our culture and agriculture,” Ajayi said.
Groundbreaking Agricultural Financing Model
One of the most exciting aspects of the carnival was the announcement of a new agricultural financing initiative called the “Office to Farm Agricultural Credit”. This program aims to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s urban professionals and the agricultural sector, allowing salaried workers, private sector employees, and even NGOs to invest in agricultural ventures such as yam cultivation.
Ajayi revealed that the initiative, developed through strategic partnerships with financial institutions and a leading African blockchain technology company, would create a platform that enables employees to invest in agriculture through salary deductions and other financial models.
“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. We are creating a model where civil servants, private sector workers, and even institutions can invest in agriculture without stepping foot on a farm,” Ajayi said. “This is how we create wealth for millions of Nigerians — by making agriculture accessible to everyone.”
The program will also make it easier for these investors to profit from crop production, with a focus on yam farming, starting with the 50 million yam tuber initiative.
Bringing People Together for a Shared Vision
The carnival attracted numerous dignitaries, including Dr. Olowoyo Sikiru, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agricultural Extension, and Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti Bureau of Tourism. Their presence underscored the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic development through agriculture and tourism.
“We are proud to support the World Iyan Carnival,” Dr. Sikiru remarked. “This is more than just a celebration of culture; it’s a movement towards reviving and transforming Ekiti’s agricultural sector.”
The event also saw panel discussions that delved into the future of agrotourism, sustainable farming practices, and the economic benefits of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Experts in the field of agriculture, tourism, and blockchain technology were on hand to provide insights and discuss the potential for innovation in these industries.
World Iyan Day: A Global Celebration of Ekiti’s Pride
The carnival culminated on December 27th, which has now been officially designated World Iyan Day. The day was marked by the ceremonial presentation of yam tubers to symbolize the importance of yam cultivation in Ekiti’s culture and economy. The idea behind World Iyan Day is to elevate the dish, and by extension the agricultural prowess of Ekiti, on a global stage.
“Iyan is not just our food; it is our pride. Today, we’ve made it a symbol of our resilience, our agriculture, and our cultural heritage,” said Ajayi.
As the World Iyan Carnival concluded, the impact of this event was clear. Ekiti had succeeded in bringing together culture, agriculture, and innovation in a way that had never been done before. With a vision for long-term growth and global recognition, the carnival may well be the beginning of a new era for Ekiti and Nigeria at large.
Looking to the Future
The carnival has set the stage for Ekiti to become a beacon of agrotourism and economic development. By combining cultural pride with cutting-edge agricultural financing, the state is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance. With the Office to Farm Agricultural Credit program set to launch across Nigeria in 2025, and other transformative initiatives on the horizon, the future looks bright for Ekiti and its people. “We are just getting started,” Ajayi affirmed. “The journey to global recognition begins here, and we invite all Nigerians
