Ekiti State has played host to the maiden edition of the World Iyan Carnival with the state’s rich culture displayed colourfully with thrilling performances.
Iyan (pounded yam) is a local cuisine peculiar to Ekiti indigenes.
Mr Ade Ajayi, Convener of the carnival, said in a statement on Monday that the carnival was meant to showcase Ekiti’s rich culture and change the state’s economic status through tourism.
According to him, the theme for the carnival is “Agrotourism: A New Frontier For Sustainable Tourism And Economic Development.”
Ajayi said that the event, which was held at Midas Arena in Ado-Ekiti recently, was anchored on four transformative initiatives.
He said these initiatives included the 50 million yam tubers cultivation initiative; documenting the origin of Iyan in partnership with Netflix; Aafin Iyan Resort; and the annual Iyan Carnival.
Ajayi said the event featured cultural displays of Ekiti and Idoma people, yam presentation, Oriki Iyan, panel discussions, Omoge Iyan pageant as well as dance performances.
He noted that in the course of the carnival, Dec. 27 was mapped out as World Iyan Day.
“We are excited to see this initiative and its pillars come to life today. The 50 million tubers cultivation; the origin of Iyan epic documentary; the Aafin Iyan Resort and the carnival proper.
“We also announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative in agricultural financing – Office to Farm Agricultural Credit -the first of its kind in Nigeria’s history,” he said.
Ajayi noted that the initiative was the result of a seven-year research journey focused on developing innovative financing models in agriculture under the platform of the World Iyan Carnival (WIC).
(NAN)
