By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to host the 2025 edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Culture and Arts (EKIFEST) to commemorate Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s third anniversary in office.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, the Festival Director and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, said EKIFEST 2025 would hold from 21st to 25th October.
He revealed that this year’s festival, themed ‘Melodies of Ethical Leadership’, is designed to celebrate the continuity of Governor Oyebanji’s administration and to highlight the achievements of his government through arts and culture.
Professor Ojo-Bakare outlined the five-day programme, saying a 1,000-man parade would kick off the festival on 21st October, followed by a musical concert celebrating the rebirth of Ekiti traditional music on 22nd October.
On 23rd October, there would be a traditional wrestling competition featuring all Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), while 24th October would showcase a traditional cooking competition. The festival would close on 25th October with the presentation of awards and prizes to the best-performing participants.
Describing EKIFEST as a cultural event with economic significance, the Director emphasised that the festival would boost the state’s economy by attracting visitors from across the country.
Professor Ojo-Bakare assured residents of maximum security during the event, noting that a committee had been set up to collaborate with all security agencies in the state to ensure law and order.
He said, “Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved that the festival should hold between 21st and 25th October 2025. This year’s edition is a continuation of the celebration of his third anniversary in office. We normally hold the festival in August, but it was deliberately delayed to coincide with this milestone. The theme, ‘Melodies of Ethical Leadership’, reflects the positive governance we have witnessed in the state since he took office. Through culture, we aim to sustain these good tidings.
“This year’s festival will feature a contemporary freestyle carnival, the likes of which has never been seen in this part of the country. A 1,000-man carnival parade will take to the streets of Ado-Ekiti on 21st October, marking the official start of the festivities.
“On 22nd October, we will hold a musical concert celebrating the revival of Ekiti traditional music.