The 2021 edition of the Iyake Festival, a festival in celebration of the Iyake Suspended Lake, one of the only two suspended lakes in the world and other tourism heritage of the historical town, will begin on Wednesday.
The festival, which will take place at the Festival Arena, Foot of Ado Hill, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government, was organised by the Ado-Awaye Tourism Heritage Development Initiative (ATHDI).
ATHDI, under the chairmanship of the Alado of Ado-Awaye, His Royal Majesty, Oba Revd. Olugbile Ademola Folakanmi, in a statement made available to newsmen, noted that the event will feature a bike race, drums, football rally on the opening day.
On Thursday, the festival will feature the exploration of the wonders of Ado Hill, while on Friday, activities such as fitness walk, festival discourse, documentary and games.
Saturday, which will be the grand finale of the festival, will feature special performances/colours, awards and goodwill messages, with President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, expected as the chief guest of honour and special guest of honour respectively.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the chairman/CEO of Ilaji Hotels & Resorts, Chief Dotun Sanusi, expected as royal father of the day and chairman of the event.
According to the central planning committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Alade Bello and its secretary, Mr. Kunle Kareem, the “Iyake lake, around which the festival is woven, is the only natural suspended lake in the world. The history and myth of the lake and associated wonders of Ado Hill make Iyake a worthy object of celebration.
“It is a behold of tourists and a spiritual rejuvenation for worshippers and the inclined. Above all, the awe, wonders and investment potentials of this natural phenomenon compel attention.”
