Ayan Atayero Festival Shines in New York, Celebrates Nigerian Heritage.

Ayan Atayero Festival Shines in New York, Celebrates Nigerian Heritage.

The Ayan Atayero Yearly Festival, a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, lit up the Nigeria House in New York recently . The event brought together notable figures from the Nigerian diaspora, traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts to honor the diverse traditions of Nigeria.

The festival, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in New York, Royal Festival Inc., and spearheaded by HRH Amb. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, showcased an array of Yoruba customs, arts, music, dance, and values.

Dr. Aderemi, a prominent leader from Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State, and Nigeria graced the event alongside Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery, a religious leader, pan-Africanist, and humanitarian. Also present were the Honorable Commissioner Olamide Davies Talabi, Rev. Kayode, and other distinguished dignitaries.

In his address, HRH, Amb. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi underscored the importance of such events in fostering unity and preserving the Yoruba heritage. “This festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of Nigeria’s culture with the world,” he said. “It strengthens the bond between the diaspora and our homeland while promoting cultural pride and identity.”

The Ayan Atayero Festival is a unique platform aimed at preserving Yoruba culture, particularly its drumming tradition. The drums, known as Ayan, are a central symbol of the festival, representing communication, history, and artistry in Yoruba culture. The event also highlighted traditional foods, dances, fashion, masquerades, and other elements of Yoruba life.

Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery.

Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery described the festival as a “remarkable display of Nigeria’s diversity,” adding that it serves as a bridge connecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots.

Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery.

Hon. Olamide Davies Talabi, a Newark, New Jersey Taxi Commissioner and humanitarian, commended the festival’s vision of cultural preservation. “This initiative goes beyond entertainment; it’s about ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate their heritage,” she said.

Hon. Olamide Davies Talabi, a Newark, New Jersey Taxi Commissioner.

The Ayan Atayero Festival, a brainchild of Dr. Olusegun Aderemi and Hon. Davies Talabi, aims to prevent the neglect, adulteration, and historical extinction of Yoruba traditions. It also seeks to emphasize the socio-economic significance of Yoruba culture in the global community.

Rev. Kayode. 

Dr. Aderemi, who is also a member of the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria and the Lagos Business School Governing Council, reiterated his commitment to using the festival as a developmental tool for cultural appreciation and economic growth.

HRH Amb. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi.

With its success, the festival has become a cultural milestone for Nigerians in the diaspora. Attendees left the event with a renewed sense of pride, looking forward to future editions that will continue to celebrate and promote the Yoruba heritage.

The festival is open to Yoruba and non-Yoruba audiences across the United States and remains a vital effort to preserve Nigeria’s cultural legacy for generations to come.