Oyebanji Unveils EKIFEST 2026, says Ekiti ‘ll become Leading Creative, Tourism Hub.
...urges youths to use talents, creativity as instruments of transformation.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to deploy the instrument of office to make Ekiti a major hub for cultural tourism and creative economy that will transform the lives of the productive population in Nigeria and Africa.
In order for the huge investments of his administration in creative economy not to result to nought, the Governor appealed to Ekiti youths to deploy their talents and creative endowments as instruments to create jobs, businesses and wealth that can accelerate economic development.
Oyebanji gave the charge on Tuesday, while flagging off the 2026 edition of Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture(EKIFEST), held at Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, with the theme: "Continuity, The Pathway to Ensuring Prosperity".
Prior to the actual commencement of the festival, thousands of contingents drawn across the 16 Local Governments, Local Council Development Areas and other non-Ekiti nationalities, had held a cultural parade round Ado Ekiti, the state capital, to create awareness about the festival geared towards preserving and sustaining the culture and traditions of the people.
Represented at the cultural fiesta by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the governor was emphatic that creativity and talents development were propitious platforms to build businesses and create jobs for the teeming productive population to survive under the current economy.
Governor Oyebanji said his vision as a leader, who believes in economic diversification, is to make Ekiti a frontline destination in cultural economy, branding Arts , Culture and Tourism as possessing huge economic potential that can transform any community or nation.
Oyebanji further reminded that economic development of any state is not solely anchored on infrastructure development, or solely measured by the quantum of roads built, but how tenacious a leader is to define and preserve the history of its people.
While applauding experts in the Ministry of Arts and Culture as well as the development partners, Governor Oyebanji promised government's consistent support for local artists, arts exhibitors and those involved in creative businesses through patronage that can guarantee survival and contributions to economic growth.
Underscoring the significance of EKIFEST to youths' development, Oyebanji, said: "To our young people, this festival belongs to you that your creativity is your wealth. Your ideas can create jobs. Your talents can build businesses. Your imagination can transform communities. The creative economy is no longer the future- it is already here.
"As we celebrate EKIFEST, let us remember that the true measure of any society is not only in its roads and buildings, but also in how faithfully it preserves its heritage and how boldly it empowers its people".
The governor opined that the 2026 EKIFEST will help in fortifying the state's economy, advance its investments, deepen its unity and create opportunities for the youths and those operating in the creative sector.
Oyebanji noted that EKIFEST as an annual cultural festival has gone beyond mere sloganeering, saying it was specifically promoted to drive the prosperity vision and indicate his government's commitment to sustainable development that can rescue people from poverty and unemployment .
"Today marks the fourth consecutive edition of EKIFEST under this administration. This is no coincidence. It is a deliberate statement that culture occupies a majestic place in the domain of our development agenda.
"Our vision is clear: we want Ekiti to become Nigeria's foremost destination for cultural tourism and one of the Africa's leading creative hubs. We are building infrastructures, strengthening institutions, supporting our creative talents, expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs and creating an environment where culture contributes meaningfully to our economy".
In his submission at the cultural festival, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof Rasak Ojo Bakare, commended Oyebanji for investing heavily in the arts and culture since the advent of his administration, describing EKIFEST as a celebration of Ekiti's rich cultural heritage and traditions, considered unique across the country.
Prof Bakare added that culture is far more than mere entertainments, branding it as a veritable opportunity to strengthen social cohesion, create hospitality, love and promote social order among the people of diverse interests and ethnic divides.
"This year's EKIFEST will feature cultural parade, command performances, traditional competitions, talents showcasing that identify the cultural diversity of Ekiti people. The Biodun Oyebanji-led government was aware of the fact that culture can only be preserved when practised and passed on to the coming generations.
"Under Governor Oyebanji's government, one of the fastest growing sectors that is generating employment and attracting investments is arts and culture. Let me also bring to your notice that Governor Oyebanji was the first governor in history to appoint a Director of Culture and a core professional as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts and Culture".
A respectable thespian in the Yoruba Movie, Dele Odule and his cultural troupe performed at the opening event.
Other high profile figures that graced the festival were: Local Government Chairmen, Commissioners, Special Advisers, traditional rulers, notable arts and culture icons, academics, traditionalists, members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria( PMAN), traditional groups, other cultural groups from Nigerian Nationalities like Igbos, Ibibio, Idoma, Tiv, Bassa, among others.
