Gov Aiyedatiwa revives Mare festival after 9 years

……..Vows bigger celebration in 2026

………Mare festival has come to stay – Afolabi

By Precious Oluwole

 

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has revived the Mare Festival after a nine-year break, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to cultural preservation, youth empowerment and tourism development.

Speaking at the festival held at Olofin grammar school, Idanre, the Governor praised the richness of the state’s cultural heritage.

 

While acknowledging the influence of globalisation and cultural exchange, he emphasised the need to protect and preserve local heritage, commending young performers who creatively blended modern music styles such as rap and R&B with the local language.

The Governor described the festival as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, revealing that many talents were discovered during the week-long activities, including sporting events such as the marathon.

Explaining the essence of the festival, Aiyedatiwa said the word “Mare” was deeply rooted in the Idanre Hills, literally meaning “you will not fall,” a phrase traditionally used to encourage climbers navigating the steep heights of the iconic hills.

 

He commended the peaceful conduct of the crowd and unity throughout the celebration, describing the atmosphere as lively and uplifting.

 

Impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm, the Governor promised a bigger and more colourful Mare Festival next year, pledging to work closely with the ministry to enhance planning and delivery.

He concluded by wishing residents a joyful, healthy and prosperous new year, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining the cultural rebirth of the festival.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Adesoji Afolabi commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his genuine commitment to cultural revival and restoration in the Ondo State.

 

He added that upon assuming office, the Governor approved the restoration and revival of four major cultural festivals, including the Mare Festival, which is designed to showcase Ondo State’s rich cultural heritage and coastal resources to both national and international audiences.

 

Other cultural festivals are; Ilaje Boat Regatta scheduled for February at Araromi Beach; the Igogo Festival in Owo slated for September, which promotes bead-making and Aso Oke; and the Akoko Unity Carnival linked to Ebo Gele in Ipesi Akoko, scheduled for November.

 

According to him, the annual Mare Festival forms a key part of efforts to preserve and promote the city’s traditions. He highlighted its cultural landmarks, emphasising that the Mare Festival has come to stay.

 

Afolabi explained that the Mare Festival was designed to showcase Idanre’s cultural heritage and resources to international audiences, noting that the Igogo Festival was associated with the Olowo’s Palace, described as the largest palace in Nigeria and West Africa and the fourth largest in Africa.

 

He expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s leadership in bringing back the Mare Festival after a nine-year pause, describing its return as a strong demonstration of commitment to cultural revival, grassroots development and tourism-driven economic growth.

 

The commissioner appreciated the Idanre community, the local government leadership, the chairman and members of the local organising committee, as well as indigenes at home and in the diaspora, for their support over the past two months and throughout the four days of activities, declaring that the Mare Festival had come to stay.

He also thanked the governor for approving the dual carriageway from Akure to Idanre, describing it as a major boost to Oke Idanre tourism, while acknowledging the support of corporate bodies and individuals, including Nigerian Breweries, Sunbeth and Hon Sylvester Muyiwa (Adu Cubana), among others.

Star artiste, Teniola Apata, fondly called Teni Makanaki, set the festival aglow with her electrifying and melodious performance, sending waves of excitement through the arena.

Local artistes, entertainer Dr Arotele, the award-winning state cultural troupe and the Idanre cultural troupe also thrilled the audience with vibrant displays that added colour and rhythm to the event.

In attendance were; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye; former member of the House of Representatives, Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Tajudeen Adefisoye; former Chief of Staff to a former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Kola Ademujimi; APC chieftain, Dr Miyuwa Adu; the Chairman of Idanre Local Government, Hon Smart Omotadowa; the LCDA Chairman, Prince Kayode Aroloye; councillors and leaders of council; members of the State Executive Council; aides of the governor; and political leaders from Idanre and other local governments, among others.