In a vibrant and colourful celebration held in Manchester, United Kingdom, Ekiti indigenes across Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti States came together in a powerful show of unity, elegance, and cultural pride. The event, themed Ekiti Cultural Day, brought together members of the Ekiti community in the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage and reaffirm the values that define their shared identity.
Held in an atmosphere rich with tradition and joy, the cultural event was more than just a gathering — it was a fusion of happiness, friendship, and rediscovery. The celebration provided an opportunity for people whose ancestral ties have been fragmented by political demarcation to reunite under one cultural flag.
Attendees adorned in traditional attire radiating colour and elegance danced to the rhythmic beats of ancestral drums and participated in deeply rooted customs, including poetry renditions, symbolic rituals, and recitations of age-old Ekiti proverbs. Local delicacies were served as families and friends bonded over shared heritage, stories, and values that have stood the test of time.
Notable community leaders, royal dignitaries, and political figures from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom graced the occasion, elevating the event from a community festival to a diplomatic and cultural milestone. Their presence underscored the importance of cultural preservation and the global significance of Nigeria’s indigenous identities.
This year’s celebration highlighted the resilience and enduring spirit of the Ekiti people, known for their discipline, intellect, and deep communal values. Even in the diaspora, the commitment to safeguarding the culture, language, and traditions of Ekiti remains strong.
Ekiti State, often referred to as the land of honour, fountain of knowledge and integrity, is renowned not only for its rolling hills and rich academic heritage but also for its deeply rooted customs.
In a time where globalization continues to blur the lines of cultural distinction, events like Ekiti Cultural Day in Manchester serve as vital reminders that our roots matter. To know Ekiti is to understand the strength of family, the reverence for elders, and the pride in language and legacy.
Valuing Ekiti culture means more than celebration — it means responsibility. A responsibility to live it, share it, and pass it on with honour and purpose. The Manchester event did exactly that — rekindling the spirit of home, thousands of miles away.
