Ekiti creative sector urged to support Oyebanji’s re-election

From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, stakeholders in the creative sector have been urged to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji to continue in office beyond 2026.

The state’s Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, made the remarks on Tuesday during the presentation of an
Arts Endowment Fund cheque to a creative group known as “Ekiti Theatre For BAO”, organised by the Ministry.

Citing strategic development projects and programmes of the Oyebanji administration, Bakare urged all creatives within the Arts and Culture sector of the state to rally behind the Governor’s transformative vision and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing drive for sustainable development in the sector.

While commending the group for effectively deploying their creative talents to raise public awareness about the activities of government, Bakare noted that their efforts have significantly contributed to deepening public understanding and appreciation of the policies and programmes of the state government.

The Commissioner explained that the Arts Endowment Fund is a strategic intervention initiative approved by Governor Oyebanji to support individuals and groups within the state’s creative ecosystem.

According to him, the Endowment Fund is designed to empower practitioners, stimulate innovation, and strengthen the role of the creative industry in socio-economic development.

He mentioned some of the key achievements recorded under the Oyebanji administration in the creative sector to include, increased government support for cultural initiatives, revitalisation of creative platforms, and enhanced engagement with stakeholders across the arts and culture value chain.

He emphasized that these efforts are geared towards positioning Ekiti State as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and creative enterprise.

Bakare urged members of Ekiti Theatre for BAO to sustain their commitment to promoting good governance and to continue supporting Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as “a blessing to the people of Ekiti State.”

The Commissioner further called on all stakeholders within the creative sector to make significant contributions towards mobilising support for Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming election, in appreciation of his commitment to the transformation of the sector in the state.

Responding on behalf of the group, the leader of the group, Hon. Folake Ojojolu, expressed appreciation to the state government for the support, pledging to intensify their efforts in using theatre and creative expressions as tools for public enlightenment and community engagement.

Ojojolu expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Ministry for extending the benefit of the Arts Endowment Fund to the group, promising the continued commitment of the group to propagating and promoting the good works of Governor Oyebanji.

The Arts Endowment Fund presentation underscores the Ekiti State Government’s continued commitment to nurturing creativity and leveraging the arts as a vehicle for development and effective communication.The