The rejuvenation and promotion agenda of the Arts and Cultural sector of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration have not only began to yield positive result but have gained global recognition as evident at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2019) in Benin, Edo State, where the contingent showcased Ekiti Pounded Yam at the parade of Royal cuisine.
Following the contingent’s outstanding performance at the opening parade held at the University of Benin Sports Stadium, was the states presentation at the Royal Cuisine Competition where it presented step by step cultural manner of preparing pounded yam, specifically as a meal prepared in the palace for the consumption of an Ekiti King.
The aroma of the delicacies prepared by the contingent which was garnished with medicinal roots and herbs such as “Iru”(locust beans) “Ira”(bark of a particular tree), “Osun”(turmeric), “efirin”(scent leaf) among others attracted a multitude of participants who scrambled to have a taste of Ekiti Pounded yam, while the dramatic Royal
Blessing to the mimetic actions that accompanied the exceptional narration and the scintillating dance steps coupled with the sonorous voices of the State Standing Cultural Troupe all added glamour to the brilliant performance of the contingent.
The Director General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre who led the contingent to the cultural fiesta said the need to preserve Ekiti cultural heritage for posterity sake was sacrosanct, while emphasizing the significance and the medicinal attributes of Ekiti natural food which are antidotes and cure to some common ailments and diseases in the society.
In his remarks, the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe commended the government of Ekiti State for its doggedness towards revitalizing the Arts and Cultural sector which has enabled the contingent to present a uniquely branded Ekiti culture from the preparation, serving, eating of the famous “Iyan Ekiti” (Ekiti Pounded Yam) to the arts and crafts materials that were used in the whole process.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
