The International Congress for Ifa Orisa Spirituality (ICIOS) has announced to the media, cultural stakeholders, tourism promoters and the global community that preparations are in top gear for the 12th Edition of the World Ifa/Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage (Oke-Igeti Festival 2026), scheduled to hold in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
The organization which stressed it’s committment to the preservation, promotion and global advancement of Ifa and Orisa spirituality, said it considered it necessary to engage journalists and media practitioners as critical partners in shaping public understanding about African traditional religion, culture and heritage.
The ICIOS in a press release made available to Newshereandthere on Monday which was signed by the Public Relations Officer,Ifayomi Adunni stated that:
“The World Ifa/Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage was established as a spiritual and cultural convergence designed to reconnect people of African descent and lovers of indigenous spirituality with the ancient traditions, philosophy and sacred heritage of the Yoruba people.
“Over the years, the festival has grown from a modest gathering into an internationally recognised pilgrimage attracting participants, scholars, devotees, tourists and researchers from different parts of Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean.
“The choice of Ekiti State as the spiritual host of this pilgrimage is deeply rooted in history, oral tradition and extensive cultural research which identified Oke-Igeti and surrounding communities as sacred heritage locations of immense significance within Yoruba spirituality and the Ifa tradition.
“Since its inception, the festival has recorded remarkable milestones. It has strengthened cultural diplomacy, promoted intercultural dialogue, revived interest in indigenous knowledge systems and projected Yoruba spirituality onto the global stage. It has also become an important platform for cultural education, historical rediscovery and spiritual reflection.
“Beyond spirituality and culture, the impact of the festival on the economy of Ekiti State has been substantial and undeniable. Every edition has attracted thousands of visitors whose presence stimulates economic activities across hospitality, transportation, tourism, commerce, entertainment and local enterprise sectors. Hotels experience increased occupancy, local traders enjoy improved patronage, artisans and cultural performers gain wider exposure, while tourism sites across the state receive unprecedented attention.
“The festival has equally contributed to the international visibility of Ekiti State as a destination for heritage tourism and cultural exchange. Through the pilgrimage, many visitors have been introduced to the rich historical landscapes, sacred sites, waterfalls, hills, traditional institutions and cultural treasures spread across the state.
“The 2026 edition promises to be one of the biggest and most impactful editions ever organised. Activities lined up include spiritual consultations, traditional rites, cultural processions, heritage tours, academic engagements, youth programmes, musical and artistic performances, exhibitions and community interactions aimed at fostering unity, cultural pride and global appreciation for African spirituality.
“As journalists and custodians of public information, we respectfully urge media professionals to approach reportage on traditional religion with fairness, professionalism, sensitivity and intellectual honesty.
” For decades, African indigenous spirituality has suffered distortion, sensationalism and unfair stereotyping largely driven by misinformation and inherited colonial narratives.
“We therefore appeal to the media to help correct these misconceptions by presenting factual, balanced and culturally informed reports about Ifa and Orisa spirituality. African traditional religion should not be portrayed through the narrow lenses of superstition, fetishism or fear. Like other world religions, it embodies ethical teachings, philosophical depth, moral guidance, reverence for nature, communal values and spiritual discipline.
“The media possesses enormous power to either preserve cultural dignity or deepen misunderstanding. We believe this festival presents an opportunity for journalists to tell authentic African stories, promote cultural tourism, encourage religious tolerance and showcase the beauty of Yoruba civilisation to the world.
“The International Congress for Ifa Orisa Spirituality remains committed to peaceful coexistence, intercultural harmony and the preservation of humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
“We warmly invite journalists from Nigeria and across the world to participate in and objectively cover the 12th World Ifa/Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage 2026 in Ekiti State.
Together, let us build a future where African spirituality and culture are represented with truth, dignity and respect.”