By Taiye Olayemi
Organiser of the World Iyan Carnival, Mr Ade Ajayi, on Sunday said the maiden edition of the carnival would hold Dec. 27, to showcase Nigeria’s rich culinary experience and promote food security.
“Iyan” is a traditional food prepared by pounding boiled yam with a mortar and pestle.
Ajayi, while speaking during a news conference in Lagos, said that the carnival slated to hold in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti capital, would attract tourists from across the globe.
He said the carnival was designed as a multi-faceted project, structured around four core pillars.
He said each of the pillars were designed to contribute to the overall goals of promoting food security, celebrating African culture, and fostering economic growth through tourism and agriculture.
“The World Iyan Carnival is set to take place on December 27, this will mark the official launch of a transformative initiative.
“The carnival will feature two key events: Omoge Iyan Pageant, which is a celebration of African women and their cultural heritage.
“The pageantry will showcase contestants who exemplify the rich traditions of their regions.
“The event will also witness Iyan challenge, a competition for African men to demonstrate their expertise in the complete process of Iyan production, from cultivating yams to creating the dish.
“Various groups, individuals, youths and communities across Africa and Africans in diaspora all over the world are eligible to participate by registration, which will commence from September.
“This will prepare them to win fantastic life changing prizes at the grand finale in Dec. 27,” he said.
According to Ajayi, a total of ten finalists, six from the pageant and four from the challenge, will be selected, with the winners named ambassadors of the carnival.
He explained that these finalists would also be featured in the epic documentary series that would form the second pillar of the initiative.
He described the carnival as a movement that would generate an epic documentary that delves into the origin and cultural significance of Iyan within the African society.
He said the documentary, which would premiere at the National Arts Theater in 2025, would showcase the history, tradition, and culinary art behind this ancestral dish.
According to him, the movement will also witness the cultivation of 50 million tubers of yam.
He said this was to promote food production and ensure food security.
“The World Iyan Carnival is the result of seven years of research and development, driven by a profound passion for African food and social impact,” he said.
He said the carnival was an innovative project that would involve farmers, youths, chefs, women, and food processing industries.
He said that the carnival would hold in partnership with states and corporate organisations.
Also speaking, Nollywood filmmaker, Yomi Fash-Lanso, who commended the initiative, said that it was time to go back to the roots while Nigerians remain proud of their culture.
Larry K Ojomo, founder of LK Mon-Ami, said the initiative was a good one that would help in differenciating local fufu (made from cassava) from pounded yam.
Ojomo also noted that the carnival would be a veritable avenue to display local fabrics and attire.
Earlier, Chief Adebola Emmanuelking, Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes, who was represented by Chi-Tola Roberts, said the carnival was key to national development.
