Ekiti State Government has stressed commitment to exploring arts and culture to showcase creativity and talents, create jobs and as well attract investment opportunities to enhance economic diversification.
- +Ekiti targets jobs, investments with arts festival
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof Rasaki Bakare, said that the state had been reaping bountifully in terms of economic boost from the creative sector and people’s love for the creative energies of Ekiti people in arts, culture and heritage.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof Rasaki Bakare, said that the state had been reaping bountifully in terms of economic boost from the creative sector and people’s love for the creative energies of Ekiti people in arts, culture and heritage.
Bakare spoke in Ado Ekiti while briefing journalists on the 2026 edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, themed “Continuity: Pathway to Enduring Shared Prosperity,” scheduled to be held in the state capital from August 11 to 15.
The commissioner said, “The theme of EKIFEST 2026 is a bold investment in talent discovery, youth empowerment and the repositioning of Ekiti State as a hub of creative excellence and ethical leadership.”
He said, “EKIFEST 2026 will shine its spotlight on the value-driven governance style of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose focused leadership continues to inspire a new generation of responsible and culturally grounded citizens.”
“EKIFEST has evolved into a rallying platform for identity, for unity and innovation through the art.
“The festival, among other things, aims to revitalise cultural and artistic learning through healthy competition in performances, traditional arts, culinary arts, indigenous games, traditional wrestling, indigenous fashion and bush bar.
“It creates a platform for easy showcase of creative and artistic talents and talent discovery while enhancing economic diversification through attraction of investment opportunities to Ekiti State,” Bakare said.
The commissioner said that EKIFEST 2026, expected to draw traffic of arts and culture enthusiasts, tourists and people from different parts of the country and the world to Ekiti State, would feature, among others, conferment of honours on some Ekiti citizens who had done the state proud in the arts and culture sector.
He said, “We are going to honour some indigenes of Ekiti State, including a posthumous award to the Olowe of Ise to recognise what he had done for the state in arts.
“We are giving the living legend, Chief Ojo Olowojolu (Ojojolu), an award; Odunlade Adekola and Peju Ogunmola will also receive awards for what they have done for the image of Ekiti State in the sector.
“Arts supporters like Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Dr Tope Agbeyo and others will also be honoured.”
Bakare said dignitaries expected at the festival events included the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika; and commissioners for arts and culture across the federation.
He said the governor, members of the state Executive Council, members of the state House of Assembly, leadership of the local governments and local council development areas, and the traditional rulers in the state, who he described as super celebrities, would be in attendance at the five-day festival.
The commissioner listed events for the five-day festival to include a command performance of a drama titled, ‘The Trial of Omoluwabi’, traditional wrestling, traditional music and dance, children’s visual arts competition/children essay writing, traditional cuisine and bush bar, female drumming competition, and awards presentation.
According to him, EKIFEST, which is the premier cultural showcase of Ekiti State, is a vibrant convergence of heritage, creativity and celebration.
