By Justus Adetomiwa, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to deploy the instrument of government to position the state as a major hub for cultural tourism and the creative economy in Nigeria and Africa.
Oyebanji said his administration’s investment in the creative sector was aimed at transforming the lives of young people and other members of the productive population by creating jobs, businesses and wealth through their talents and creative endowments.
The governor made this known while kicking off the 2026 edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST), themed, “Continuity, The Pathway to Ensuring Prosperity,” held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado- Ekiti.
Thousands of contingents drawn from the 16 local government areas, Local Council Development Areas and various non-Ekiti ethnic groups participated in a colourful cultural parade through major streets of Ado Ekiti ahead of the opening ceremony.
Represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji described creativity and talent development as critical platforms for building businesses and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people navigating the current economic realities.
He said his administration’s commitment to economic diversification extended beyond infrastructure development, noting that arts, culture and tourism possessed enormous economic potential capable of transforming communities and nations.
According to him, economic development should not be measured solely by the number of roads constructed or other physical infrastructure provided, but also by the ability of leaders to preserve the history and identity of their people.
Oyebanji said his administration would continue to support local artists, exhibitors and other players in the creative industry through government patronage and other interventions capable of sustaining their businesses and enhancing their contribution to economic growth.
Addressing the youths, the governor 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.”
He added that the true measure of a society was not only its roads and buildings, but also the extent to which it preserved its heritage and empowered its people.
Oyebanji said the 2026 edition of EKIFEST would help strengthen the state’s economy, deepen unity, attract investments and create opportunities for young people and operators in the creative sector.
He described the annual festival as more than a cultural celebration, saying it had become a deliberate component of his administration’s development agenda and its efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty and unemployment.
“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. We are building infrastructure, strengthening institutions, supporting our creative talents, expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs and creating an environment where culture contributes meaningfully to our economy,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Bakare, commended Oyebanji for what he described as significant investment in arts and culture since the inception of his administration.