The much-anticipated inaugural World Iyan Carnival took heart stage in Ekiti State, showcasing the colourful cultural heritage of the area via charming performances.
With the theme “Agrotourism: A New Frontier for Sustainable Tourism and Financial Growth,” the occasion featured a wealthy mix of cultural shows by the Ekiti and Idoma individuals, yam shows, Oriki Iyan recitations, panel discussions, and performances by dancers adorned in beautiful conventional apparel.
The spotlight of the carnival was the famend Omoge Iyan pageant.
Prince Ade Ajayi, Founding father of World Iyan Carnival, whereas talking on the carnival, mentioned the carnival is geared toward showcasing Ekiti wealthy tradition and altering the financial notion of the State.
Based on him, the carnival is anchored on 4 transformative initiatives together with; 50 million yam tubers cultivation initiative, documenting the origin of Iyan in partnership with Netflix, Aafin Iyan Resort and the annual Iyan Carnival.
He equally famous that the carnival will enhance the financial system of the State and the nation generally including that twenty seventh December has been mapped out as World Iyan Day.
“We’re excited to see this initiative and it’s Pillars come to life as we speak. The 50 million Tubers cultivation; the Origin of Iyan Epic Documentary; the Aafin Iyan Resort and the Carnival correct.
“We additionally introduced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative in agricultural financing, Workplace to Farm Agric Credit score—the primary of its variety in Nigeria’s historical past.
“This initiative is the results of a 7-year analysis journey centered on growing progressive financing fashions in agriculture below the platform of the World Iyan Carnival (WIC).
“It aligns with considered one of our core pillars—cultivating 50 million tubers of yam—whereas increasing the alternatives for civil servants, non-public sector staff, NGOs, and organizations to spend money on and profit from agricultural wealth creation.
“By strategic partnerships with monetary establishments and Africa’s main blockchain expertise firm, we’ve got developed a platform that bridges the hole between the workplace and the farm.
“It permits wage earners and establishments to actively take part in financing and buying and selling not simply tubers however different crops as nicely, fostering a brand new period of agricultural wealth in Nigeria.
“This initiative is a key contribution to the Renewed Hope Marketing campaign, which goals to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector and unlock its potential for sustainable financial progress.
“Starting within the first quarter of 2025, we are going to launch this initiative throughout the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, ranging from the western area.
We’re inviting monetary establishments, private and non-private sector gamers, and all stakeholders to affix us in making this imaginative and prescient a actuality.
“Members of the World Iyan Cooperative would be the first to get pleasure from these advantages, and we encourage others to register and change into a part of this transformative journey.”
The maiden world Iyan carnival was nicely attended by Authorities functionaries together with Senior Particular Adviser on Agric Extension Dr Olowoyo Sikiru and plenty of of his SSA staff along with Director Basic Of Ekiti Bureau of Tourism, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre.
