Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to use his administration to position Ekiti as a leading hub for cultural tourism and the creative economy in Nigeria and Africa.The governor made the pledge on Tuesday during the flag-off of the 2026 edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, EKIFEST, held at Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.
The theme of this year’s festival is _“Continuity: The Pathway to Ensuring Prosperity.”_Represented by Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji urged Ekiti youths to leverage their talents and creativity to generate jobs, businesses, and wealth.He said the huge investments his government has made in the creative sector would only yield results if young people take ownership of their skills.
According to him, creativity and talent development remain key platforms for building businesses and creating employment for the productive population amid current economic realities.Oyebanji said his vision is to make Ekiti a top destination for cultural tourism, noting that arts, culture and tourism hold enormous economic potential to transform communities and nations.
He added that a state’s development should not be measured only by roads and infrastructure, but also by how well its history and heritage are preserved.Speaking to the youths, he said:
“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.”
The governor said the 2026 EKIFEST is aimed at strengthening the state’s economy, boosting investment, deepening unity, and creating opportunities for youths and players in the creative industry.He noted that this is the fourth consecutive EKIFEST under his administration, describing it as a deliberate effort to place culture at the center of his 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. We are building infrastructure, strengthening institutions, supporting creative talents, and expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs,”_ he added.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare, commended Oyebanji for his investments in arts and culture. He described EKIFEST as a celebration of Ekiti’s rich heritage.
Prof. Bakare said culture goes beyond entertainment, stressing that it promotes unity, hospitality, and social order.He disclosed that this year’s festival will feature cultural parades, command performances, traditional competitions, and talent showcases.The Commissioner added that arts and culture is one of the fastest growing sectors creating jobs and attracting investments in Ekiti under Oyebanji.
He also noted that the governor was the first to appoint a Director of Culture and a professional Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
