By Gbenga Sodeinde
All is set for the much anticipated Ayo Olopon global to be co-hosted by a non-governmental organisation based in sweden. The event which is scheduled to be held in Ado Ekiti in October is set to witness a revitalisation of one of the oldest cultural games in Yoruba land.
Gbenga Sodeinde In this interview with the project coordinator in Nigeria, Ambassador Oladele sheds light on the importance of Ayo olopon and the reason it’s going global.
Excerpts:
Can we meet you?
I am Amb. Oladele Emmanuel Ayotunde, the Project Director, Ayo Olopon Group Sweden. a private sociocultural platform dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race.
What can you tell us about the Ayo Olopon Global Tourism Festival scheduled for October/November 2024?
Ayo Olopon Global Tourism Festival is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at encouraging wide participation in the traditional Yoruba game of Ayo Olopon, also known as “Opon Ayo.” We aim to not only revitalize this age-old game within our community but also to introduce it to the global stage, showcasing its intricate strategy, cultural significance and inherent entertainment value and the festival will also serve as a platform to celebrate and promote the vibrant tapestry of Yoruba culture and arts. through various events, workshops, exhibitions, and performances, we will highlight the rich traditions, music, dance, storytelling, and crafts that define our heritage.
Realizing you are partnering with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, is the Ayo Olopon Global Tourism Festival designed for Ekiti populace alone?
Ekiti State been one of the host community of this global event, it is a must for us to partner with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development as a legitimate entity who is committed to organize an open transparent event that will be of value to the state while the global event is open to all Nigerians who deem it fit to pick our registration form and willing to participate in the event.
How do you balance preserving the authenticity of AYO OLOPON with incorporating modern elements to appeal to a broader audience?*
Beyond preserving and playing the game Ayo olopon, we are using this event to discover talents and see how we can represent and project our rich cultural values on the global stage for a wider participation.
Can you share insights into the selection process for participants and how you ensure inclusivity across different age groups and backgrounds?*
Ayo Olopon is not just a game for the older crowd; in fact, many young children learn how to play the game in order to sharpen their math skills. Ayo is generally played by people of the same age group and gender, meaning men play with men, women play with other women, and children play amongst themselves and in view of this, we are grouping all participants based on their gender, age group and sex while the selection process will be made open and transparent to all.
How will this event contribute to preserving the cultural legacy of traditional Yoruba games, and what efforts have been made to engage younger generations?*
The idea of Ayo Olopon as a game for the Elderly is a misconception and that the game itself is a link between people of different backgrounds.
We know the importance of Ayo Olopon and that is why we are here to modify it. Ayo Olopon is a game that encourages peaceful coexistence, information dissemination, and a form of brain developing method, and these attributes can not be said to be for Elders alone
Question:What impact do you hope the AYO OLOPON event will have on tourism, local businesses, and the economy of Ekiti State?*
Answer: Hosting the festival will make surfeit of contributions to the growth of hospitality business, tourism, which will ultimately add values to the local economy and also foster unity, social cohesion and community engagement; in addition to providing a platform for artistic expression, skill development and talent discovery.
Question:What are the benefits attached to the global event?
Answer: A significant highlight of the project is the prizes and cultural exchange program, which will involve 50 Nigerian citizens travelling to Uppsala, Sweden, for the grand finale of the festival.
Question:Any partying words for registered and anticipating participants?
Answer: I like to encourage both the young and old to come our en masse and be part of this special maiden global tourism festival. Showcasing our rich cultural value on the global stage is our priority.