The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to using arts and culture to create jobs, promote talent and attract investments as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, said the state had been benefiting from the economic potential of its creative sector and the growing interest in Ekiti’s arts, culture and heritage.
Bakare spoke in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, scheduled for August 11 to 15, with the theme, “Continuity, Pathway to Enduring Shared Prosperity.”
He 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.”
Bakare said the festival had evolved into a platform for promoting cultural identity, unity and innovation while creating opportunities for creatives.
“EKIFEST has evolved into a rallying platform for identity, for unity and innovation through the art,” he said.
He added that the event would feature competitions in traditional arts, culinary arts, indigenous games, traditional wrestling, fashion and other cultural activities.
“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 the five-day event was expected to attract tourists, arts and culture enthusiasts and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
He also announced that prominent Ekiti indigenes who had contributed to the development of arts and culture would be honoured.
“We are going to give honour to 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,” he said.
Chief Ojo Olowojolu (Ojojolu), actors Odunlade Adekola and Peju Ogunmola, as well as arts supporters Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Dr Tope Agbeyo, are also expected to receive awards.
Expected dignitaries include the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika; and commissioners for Arts and Culture across the federation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, local government leaders and traditional rulers are also expected to attend.
Activities will include a command performance of “The Trial of Omoluwabi,” traditional wrestling, music and dance, children’s visual arts and essay competitions, traditional cuisine and bush bar, female drumming competition and an awards presentation.
Bakare described the festival as “a vibrant convergence of heritage, creativity and celebration.”
