Students host Prince Adewale Laoye to celebrate the Yam Festival and Culture

In a vibrant display of cultural heritage and practical education, students from the Hospitality Department at Federal Polytechnic, Ede, recently organized a Yam Festival that captured the essence of Yoruba traditions while providing hands-on event planning experience. They engineered this event by collaborating with Aafin Ilu and implemented insights from the collaboration for the Yam Festival.

The event, which took place on the polytechnic’s campus, saw students transform into chefs, waiters, performers, and event coordinators, showcasing the multifaceted nature of hospitality management.

Mrs. Ndasule N.A, one of the project’s lecturers, emphasized the importance of such practical experiences. “Hospitality management is a vast field that extends far beyond kitchen duties,” she said. “Events like this prepare our students to become active event planners and even establish their businesses after graduation.”

The festival featured an impressive array of yam-based dishes, including pounded yam, yam porridge, and yam chips, all prepared by the students. Visitors were treated to traditional Yoruba dances and theatrical performances, with some students taking on roles as chiefs and even a king.

A highlight of the event was the participation of Prince Adewale Laoye, CEO of Aafin Ilu, a brand known for promoting African culture. Prince Laoye attended as a special guest, offering insights and inspiration to aspiring hospitality managers. The students even choreographed performances of some of his songs, including “Omo Yoruba” and “Ki lo wo.”

Akinseyinwa Victor Obisesan, a student who served as the master of ceremony, demonstrated the real-world skills gained through the department’s coursework. “This experience has been invaluable,” Victor said. “It’s one thing to learn about event planning in a classroom, but doing it is a whole different level of education.”

The event was not just a learning experience for the students but also a testament to their ability to work together. Adeleye Rachael and Adegbaju Omolola, speaking on behalf of their peers, expressed gratitude to the school management, including Rector Engr. Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, Head of Department Dr. Mrs. Osadare, and lecturers Mr. Osinubi O.B, Mr. Ayegbayo O.O, Mrs. Obaji N.L, and Mrs. Ndasule N.A.

“The support from our department and the cooperation among our classmates made this event possible,” said Omolola. “We’ve learned so much about our culture and about organizing large-scale events.”

The success of the Yam Festival underscores the innovative approach to education at Federal Polytechnic, Ede, where cultural celebration and practical skills development go hand in hand. As these students prepare to enter the workforce, they do so with a unique blend of cultural awareness and professional expertise, ready to make their mark in the world of hospitality and event management.