Ekiti State is set to bid for a Guinness World Records feat by preparing the tallest pounded-yam pyramid at the 2026 World Iyan Carnival, scheduled for December 27.

The convener of the World Iyan Carnival, Ade Ajayi, said 100 traditional mortars and pestles would be used simultaneously to prepare pounded yam, which would then be assembled into a monumental pyramid.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Ajayi said the carnival aims to showcase Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and promote Ekiti as a destination for culture, tourism, agriculture and investment.

He said the Guinness record attempt would bring together yam pounders, farmers, culinary experts, tourists and other stakeholders for a historic celebration of African food and culture.

He added that individuals and corporate organisations were invited to participate in the 100 Odò Iyan Legacy Project, through which participants would adopt individual mortars for the event.

Ajayi said the name or identity of each adopter would be engraved on the adopted Odò Iyan, creating an enduring connection between the sponsor and the historic cultural event.

He noted that the Guinness World Records attempt was part of efforts to expand the World Iyan Carnival beyond entertainment and cultural celebration to a platform for agrotourism, food security, investment and economic development.

According to him, the carnival is anchored on four major initiatives, including the World Iyan Carnival, featuring the Iyan Challenge and Omoge Iyan Pageant; the 50 Million Yam Tuber Cultivation Initiative; the Aafin Iyan Resort; and the Origin of Iyan documentary.

He said the initiatives were designed to create sustainable economic opportunities around yam production, food processing, tourism, hospitality and African culinary heritage.

The Convener disclosed that the 50 million yam tuber cultivation was focused on strengthening yam production in the country while creating opportunities for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

He added that the initiative had generated increased investment interest in yam and food production in Ekiti State, with the Ilasa Yam Conditioning Centre receiving increased attention as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s position in yam production and processing.

Ajayi said the management of the World Iyan Carnival was working with relevant stakeholders, including the Ekiti State Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce and Investment, to advance the initiative.

He noted that the Iyan Challenge had continued across communities, with participating towns competing for the opportunity to represent their communities at the grand finale in Ekiti.

He said the carnival had attracted participation and support beyond Nigeria, including connections with Brazil, Grenada, Jamaica and other Caribbean communities.

Ajayi commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support for the initiative and his administration’s commitment to positioning the state as a destination for culture, tourism, agriculture and economic development.

The Acting Director of the Centre for Food Processing and Innovation at Ekiti State Polytechnic, Dr Tolu Dada, said the planned Guinness World Records attempt would position Ekiti State on the global map and attract global attention to its rich agricultural and culinary heritage.

He said the polytechnic aligned with the World Iyan Carnival’s vision to use culture and culinary heritage as a catalyst for increased food production and improved food security. (The Nation)