The ancient hills of Idanre roared back to life on Tuesday night as thousands gathered for the grand finale of the 2025 Mare Festival, ending a nine-year hiatus. The event, marked by a vibrant fusion of traditional heritage and modern creativity, saw Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making Ondo State a global tourism hub.
Addressing an electrified crowd that stayed for hours to witness the festivities, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the revival of Mare as a “powerful statement of cultural rebirth.” He emphasized that while globalization continues to reshape the world, Ondo State must remain anchored in its indigenous identity.
”Ondo is richly endowed with distinct festivals that define our history and values,” the Governor stated. “Culture is the unifying force that binds us, and seeing it celebrated like this tonight confirms that our traditions are very much alive.”
Empowering Youth Through Heritage
A significant highlight of the night was the performance of local youth who blended contemporary rap and modern rhythms with the unique Idanre dialect. The Governor expressed delight at this evolution, noting that the festival serves as a vital talent discovery platform.
The four-day event featured:
1.The Mare Marathon: Promoting fitness and social well-being.
2.Talent Showcases: Fusing contemporary music with local linguistics.
3.Cultural Displays: Highlighting the spiritual and historical essence of Oke Idanre.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the discipline of the crowd, particularly the youth, for maintaining an orderly and mature atmosphere. Impressed by the turnout, he pledged that the 2026 edition would be even larger, with expanded support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Infrastructure: The Dual Carriageway to Progress
Beyond the music and dance, the Governor highlighted the strategic importance of Idanre to the state’s economy. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Adesoji Afolabi, revealed that the Governor has approved the dualization of the Akure-Idanre road. This infrastructure project is expected to:
- Boost Tourism: Making the UNESCO-recognized Idanre Hills more accessible to international visitors.
- Enhance Agribusiness: Easing the transportation of cocoa and other agricultural products from the fertile Idanre belt to the capital.
A Calendar of Culture
The revival of the Mare Festival is part of a broader “Cultural Quad” approved by the Aiyedatiwa administration. The Commissioner announced three other major festivals slated for the coming months:
1.Ilaje Boat Regatta: February 2026 at Araromi Beach.
2.Igogo Festival (Owo): September 2026, focusing on bead-making and Aso Oke.
3.Akoko Unity Carnival: November 2026 at Ebomi Lake.
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The night reached a fever pitch when star artiste Teni “Makanaki” Apata took the stage, delivering a high-energy performance that kept the audience dancing into the early hours of Wednesday
