The Ewe people in the Zio prefecture celebrated their traditional Ayiza or bean festival with great joy. The event was placed under the theme “individual and collective commitment at the service of peace and development,” The festivities climaxed on Saturday August 10, 2024 at the Dr Kaolo stadium in Tsévié in the presence of Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, who represented the Head of State.

This year’s edition was special because of the massive mobilization of scores of people and the colourful activities lined up to mark the event. Through Ayiza the Ewe people reaffirm their attachment to their culture, their identity and shared values as handed down from generation to generation.

On behalf of the Government, Mrs. Rose Kayi Mivédor, Minister of Commerce, Handicrafts and Local Consumption, hailed the population for their strong mobilization and the enthusiastic celebration.

“Beyond its cultural and historical peculiarities, Ayiza is a ritual that celebrates farmers’ hard work, in other words, it is a harvest festival which provides the opportunity to take stock of the work accomplished during the year, and chart a course for a better future for the society. This year’s theme: “individual and collective commitment at the service of peace and development,” is rich in all respects as it urges the daughters and sons of the land to work tirelessly to maintain lasting peace and flawless social cohesion in your prefecture in particular, and in Togo in general. The theme reaffirms the full adherence of the natives of the Zio prefecture to the ideals of peace, and their wholehearted commitment to the sustainable development of Togo, starting with their prefecture” declared Minister Rose Kayi Mivédor.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Sevon-Tépé Kodjo Adédzé, a native of Zio, took the opportunity to thank the Head of State, His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, for the development of the Zio Prefecture, and above all for his policy of peace throughout the country. He called on the population to rally in unisson around the President of the Republic as he continues to implement his vision for the betterment of the Togolese people.

Other highlights of the event include a colourful parade and bean tasting.