Oyebanji Unveils EKIFEST 2026, Targets Ekiti as Leading Creative and Tourism Hub.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has unveiled the 2026 edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST), declaring that his administration is committed to making the state a major destination for cultural tourism and a leading creative economy hub in Nigeria and Africa.
Oyebanji made the declaration on Tuesday while flagging off EKIFEST 2026 at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The festival, which has the theme “Continuity, The Pathway to Ensuring Prosperity,” attracted thousands of participants from the 16 local government areas, Local Council Development Areas and other ethnic nationalities residing in the state.
Before the official opening ceremony, cultural contingents held a colourful parade through major parts of Ado Ekiti to showcase the state’s rich heritage and create awareness about the annual festival.
The governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said his administration would continue to invest in the creative economy as part of efforts to diversify Ekiti’s economy, create jobs and reduce poverty.
Oyebanji urges Ekiti youths to monetise talents.
Oyebanji urged young people in Ekiti State to see their talents, creativity and ideas as economic assets capable of creating jobs and building sustainable businesses.
He said the state’s investments in arts, culture and the creative economy would only achieve their desired impact if young people actively deployed their creative abilities to generate wealth.
According to him, creativity and talent development provide opportunities for the productive population to survive and thrive in the current economic climate.
«“To our young people, this festival belongs to you. 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,” Oyebanji said.»
The governor maintained that economic development should not be measured only by the number of roads and buildings constructed, but also by the ability of leaders to preserve the history, heritage and identity of their people.
Ekiti targets cultural tourism, creative economy growth.
Oyebanji said his administration’s vision was to position Ekiti as a frontline destination for cultural tourism while developing the state into one of Africa’s leading creative hubs.
He explained that the government was building infrastructure, strengthening relevant institutions, supporting creative talents and expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
He said EKIFEST had evolved beyond an annual cultural celebration, describing it as a deliberate component of his administration’s development agenda.
«“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 Africa’s leading creative hubs.”»
The governor also promised continued government support for local artists, exhibitors and other operators in the creative sector through patronage and policies aimed at strengthening their businesses.
EKIFEST 2026 to showcase Ekiti culture
Oyebanji said the 2026 edition of EKIFEST would help strengthen the state’s economy, deepen unity and create opportunities for young people and other professionals working in the creative industry.
He added that the festival would contribute to the preservation of Ekiti’s cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for residents.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare, commended the governor for what he described as sustained investment in arts and culture since the beginning of his administration.
Bakare described EKIFEST as a celebration of Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, stressing that culture goes beyond entertainment.
According to him, arts and culture can strengthen social cohesion, promote hospitality and love, and contribute to social order among people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Cultural parade, traditional performances headline EKIFEST.
Bakare disclosed that EKIFEST 2026 would feature a cultural parade, command performances, traditional competitions and talent showcases highlighting the cultural diversity of Ekiti State.
He said the administration recognised that culture could only be preserved when it was actively practised and transmitted to younger generations.
The commissioner also noted that arts and culture had become one of the sectors generating employment and attracting investment in the state.
He further said Oyebanji was the first governor in the state’s history to appoint a Director of Culture and a core professional as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
A veteran Yoruba movie actor, Dele Odule, and his cultural troupe performed at the opening ceremony.
The event was attended by local government chairmen, commissioners, special advisers, traditional rulers, academics, traditionalists, arts and culture icons, members of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), and representatives of various cultural groups.
Cultural groups from different Nigerian ethnic nationalities, including Igbo, Ibibio, Idoma, Tiv and Bassa communities, also participated in the festival.
The Ekiti State Government said the festival would continue to serve as a platform for preserving the state’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artists, young entrepreneurs and other players in the creative economy.
There is optimism that the festival will continue to spotlight the state into limelight.