Adebayo Adenrele
Ekiti State is set to witness an unprecedented celebration of African food, culture, agriculture and touris, as the World Iyan Carnival unveils an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Records feat through the simultaneous preparation of pounded yam using more than 100 traditional mortars and pestles (Odo Iyan).
The Convener of World Iyan Carnival in Ekiti State, Prince Ade Ajayi, revealed this while addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti to mark the commencement of the third edition of the Carnival, whose grand finale is scheduled for December 27, 2026.
Prince Ajayi said the pounded yam produced during the historic exercise would be assembled into a monumental pyramid, expected to become one of the major attractions of the 2026 World Iyan Carnival and a spectacular showcase of Nigeria’s indigenous culinary heritage.
According to him, the initiative is designed to bring together more than 100 Odo sponsors, traditional pounders, guests, farmers, culinary professionals, investors, tourism stakeholders and members of the public in a single celebration aimed at projecting Ekiti and Nigeria to the global cultural map.
Ajayi explained that the initiative had evolved beyond an ordinary food festival, stressing that the event was being positioned as a major platform for agrotourism, entertainment, food security, investment, cultural preservation and economic development.
The convener said the Guinness World Records attempt will be one of the defining moments of the carnival, with the traditional Odo Iyan serving not only as culinary instruments but also as symbols of African heritage and communal identity.
The convener also identified four major components of the carnival which include the World Iyan Carnival itself, Iyan Challenge and Omoge Iyan Pageant; the 50 Million Yam Tuber Cultivation Initiative and the Aafin Iyan Resort; and the Origin of Iyan Documentary.
According to him, the 50 Million Yam Tuber Cultivation Initiative, in particular, is aimed at increasing yam production and strengthening food security while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and other participants in the agricultural value chain.
The convener called on governments, corporate organisations, farmers, investors, tourism operators, culinary professionals, communities and individuals in Nigeria and the diaspora to participate in the December 27 celebration.
His words, “The World Iyan Carnival 2026 is set to take the celebration of African food, culture, agriculture and tourism to a new level as Ekiti State prepares to host the grand finale of the annual event on 27th December 2026.
“The World Iyan Carnival has evolved beyond a cultural celebration into a platform for agrotourism, agrotainment, food security, investment and economic development, bringing together farmers, food producers, processors, culinary experts, investors, tourism stakeholders, businesses and communities.
“At the heart of the initiative are four major pillars: the World Iyan Carnival, which includes the Iyan Challenge and Omoge Iyan Pageant; the 50 Million Yam Tuber Cultivation Initiative; the Aafin Iyan Resort; and the Origin of Iyan Documentary.
“Through these initiatives, WIC is working to create sustainable economic opportunities around yam production, food processing, tourism, hospitality and African culinary heritage. The 50 Million Yam Tuber initiative is particularly focused on strengthening yam production and food security across Nigeria, while creating opportunities for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
“A major highlight of the 2026 Carnival will be an ambitious Guinness World Records attempt involving the synchronized preparation of pounded yam using more than 100 traditional Odò Iyan (mortar and pestle).
“The pounded yam will be assembled into a monumental pyramid, creating a spectacular cultural and culinary experience for participants and visitors. The initiative is designed to bring together Odò sponsors, pounders, guests and stakeholders in a single historic celebration.
“The 2026 edition is therefore positioned as more than a carnival. It is a call to the world to experience Ekiti, invest in agriculture, celebrate African food, explore tourism opportunities and participate in the economic possibilities created when culture and commerce meet”.
