Udi-Iroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti: Implications for Culture and Tourism Development in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

ABSTRACT The Udi-Iroko Festival, a vibrant cultural celebration in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, holds significant potential for cultural preservation and tourism development. This festival, deeply rooted in the traditions and heritage of the Ekiti people, showcases an array of indigenous practices, rituals, and performances that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The festival's name, derived from the sacred Iroko tree, symbolizes strength, community, and continuity. This project explores the historical context, cultural significance, and contemporary relevance of the Udi-Iroko Festival. It examines how the festival serves as a medium for cultural expression, social cohesion, and identity reinforcement among the Ekiti people. The study also investigates the festival's potential to attract tourists, thereby contributing to the local economy and promoting Ekiti State as a cultural tourism destination. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation during the festival, and the administration of a questionnaire to 100 respondents. It identifies the various elements that make the Udi-Iroko Festival unique, such as traditional dances, music, folklore, and culinary experiences. Additionally, the study addresses the challenges faced in preserving these cultural practices in the face of modernization and globalization. The findings highlight the festival's role in fostering community spirit and continuity of cultural traditions. They also reveal opportunities for leveraging the festival to boost tourism, such as improving infrastructure, marketing strategies, and collaboration with tourism agencies. The project proposes a framework for sustainable tourism development that aligns with cultural preservation goals. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of the Udi-Iroko Festival as a catalyst for cultural and tourism development in Ekiti State. It calls for concerted efforts from government bodies, cultural organizations, and the private sector to harness the festival's full potential, ensuring that it not only survives but thrives in the modern era.