Two major beverage brands, Goldberg Lager beer, produced by Nigerian Breweries Plc, and La Casera Apple drink, made by The La Casera Company Nigeria Limited are some of the sponsors billed to take part in the 2019 edition of the Udiroko Festival, a cultural celebration of the Ado-Ekiti people as a collective entity that dates back to 1310 AD.
Both sponsors are said to have taken notice of the importance of the festival celebrated annually in Ado-Ekiti, South West Nigeria.

Udiroko Festival marks the first day of the year for the Ado-Ekiti people. It is a day set aside to give thanks to their maker, as well as pray for the town for its remarkable accomplishment recorded over the years. The first Udiroko Festival took place around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi of the present-day Ado-Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Government has commended the partners for their support and affirmed that the state government has also decided to partner Ado-Ekiti people and assist them in rebranding the cultural festival.

The Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Wale Ojo-Lanre, said government is involving Ado-Ekiti indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora to help make the festival become self-sustaining.

“We have noticed the energy and vigour with which the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and the people of Ado prepare and celebrate Udiroko annually,” said Ojo-Lanre at a press briefing.

The world press briefing which took place in Lagos attracted well-placed Ado-Ekiti indigenes including Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, who is part of the group working closely in preparation for the 2019 Udiroko Festival.

The festival is set to take place from August 12 to August 20, 2019.