The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has congratulated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III and all Ado Ekiti sons and daughters both home and in the diaspora on the occasion of the annual Udiroko Festival, describing the celebration as a remarkable expression of Ado-Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, unity and communal identity.
Professor Ayodele said the Udiroko Festival, which dates back to the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, holds profound historical and cultural significance as the traditional New Year celebration of the Ado Ekiti.
He noted that the festival, also known as odun Olorunborun, provides an opportunity for the people to give thanks to God, reconnect with their ancestral heritage, celebrate their shared identity and collectively reflect on the progress and aspirations of the community.
The Vice-Chancellor who commended the Ewi for sustaining and repositioning the age-long festival as a contemporary cultural institution lauded the monarch for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth and development of Ekiti State University.
He observed that beyond its traditional significance, Udiroko has become an important platform for bringing together sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti at home and in the diaspora, while creating opportunities for dialogue, networking, philanthropy and the advancement of development initiatives.
Professor Ayodele further noted that the festival has considerable potential to strengthen tourism and the local economy of Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State.
According to him, the colourful display of traditional regalia, music, dance, royal pageantry and other cultural expressions provides an attractive experience for visitors, while the annual influx of indigenes and tourists can stimulate demand for hospitality, transportation, food, entertainment, crafts and other local businesses.
He therefore called for greater collaboration among the traditional institution, government, private sector, cultural organisations and other stakeholders to further develop Udiroko into a globally recognised cultural tourism brand.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated Oba Adejugbe, the Ewi-in-Council, the people of Ado-Ekiti and all stakeholders on the celebration, praying for continued peace, unity, prosperity and development in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State.
