Follow Us on Google
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has unveiled plans to host the 2026 edition of the Ekiti Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST), with Governor Biodun Oyebanji reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and positioning it as a destination of cultural excellence and ethical leadership.
Speaking at the EKIFEST 2026 press conference in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in the state, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, while outlining the activities for the festival said the five-day cultural event would hold from August 11 to 15, 2026, with the theme, “Continuity: Pathway to Enduring Shared Prosperity”
He described EKIFEST as the state’s premier cultural showcase that brings together heritage, creativity and innovation while serving as a platform for talent discovery, cultural preservation and investment promotion.
According to him, this year’s festival is designed to deepen artistic learning through healthy competitions in traditional music and dance, visual arts, indigenous fashion, traditional cuisine, traditional wrestling, indigenous games, bush bar among other exhibitions.
” Since its inception, EKIFEST has evolved into a rallying platform for identity, for unity, and innovation through the arts. The festival, among other things, aims to revitalize cultural and artistic learning through healthy competition in performances, traditional arts, culinary arts, indigenous games, traditional wrestling, indigenous fashion, and bush bar. ”
He added that the festival aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s people-centred leadership, hence his administration’s continued investment in young creative talents and other indigenous concerns.
“EKIFEST 2026 will shine a spotlight on the value-driven governance style of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose people-focused leadership continues to inspire a new generation of responsible and culturally grounded citizens.
“The esteemed presence of all the citizens of Ekiti State in particular and citizens of Nigeria in general at this festival, as shown on the attached timetable, will not only add glamour to the festival but will also be seen as a further affirmation of love for the creative sector and appreciation for the creative energies of our people.”
The Commissioner called on media organisations across Nigeria to partner with the state in promoting the festival, describing the media as a critical stakeholder in projecting Ekiti’s rich cultural identity to the global audience.
He explained that, unlike previous editions, the opening ceremony would take place at 10 a.m. on August 11 instead of in the evening, saying the adjustment was made in response to prevailing security considerations.
“You will see a shift in our previous practices. You remember we used to start in the evening. Four, five p.m. But we are responding to the current security situation in the state and so that is why we are having our opening ceremony in the morning, 10 a.m.
“The evening programme will, however, be held indoors at the Arts Theatre where the command performance titled, “The Trials of Omoluabi” will be staged, he noted.
The Commissioner explained that the theatrical production, written and directed by him examines contemporary political realities in Nigeria through the lens of Ekiti’s cherished Omoluabi values.
Activities scheduled for August 12 include competitive events in traditional wrestling, traditional music and dance, children’s visual arts and children’s essay writing.
On August 13, traditional music and dance competitions will continue alongside the assessment of the arts exhibition and festival market at the Small Pavilion, while traditional wrestling contests will also continue.
The festival will reach its peak on August 14 with the finals of traditional wrestling, traditional music and dance, traditional cuisine and bush bar competitions, as well as the female drumming competition involving contestants from the state’s 38 Local Government Areas( LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The closing ceremony and presentation of prizes to winners will take place at 10 a.m. on August 15.
He noted that all major activities would be held within the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, Ado-Ekiti, while the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion would host designated festival events to ensure effective crowd management.
He disclosed that the state will be inviting the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy or her representative, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Commissioners for Arts and Culture from across Nigeria, traditional rulers and top government officials.
“As Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Arts, Culture, Tourism, Creative Economy and Heritage in Nigeria, I expect my colleagues from across the federation to attend,” he said.
He added that Governor Oyebanji, his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other senior government officials would actively participate throughout the festival.
The Commissioner also announced that distinguished Ekiti sons and daughters would be honoured for their outstanding contributions to arts, culture and the promotion of the state’s image.
Addressing concerns on the significance of the festival to the state’s economy, the Commissioner said cultural festivals across the world have consistently proven to be powerful drivers of tourism, commerce and investment.
According to him, EKIFEST attracts visitors from within and outside the state, creating opportunities for traders, transport operators, hoteliers, food vendors, artisans and other businesses.
He noted that the economic impact begins long before the festival itself, as performers across the state’s 38 local councils are already rehearsing and earning income in preparation for the event.
He also said the festival contributes to social stability by engaging young people in productive cultural activities.
“During this period, crime is naturally reduced because many young people are busy rehearsing because they want to be the contingent that will come and represent their different local governments. Everyone wants to be at their best, and that sense of responsibility keeps them positively engaged,
” It is about reducing the rate of crime, because young, energetic people are positively engaged during that period.
The festival is not a jamboree. It is a means to an end. And the real end is economic prosperity.”
The Commissioner further described arts and culture as a form of “soft power” that strengthens the state’s reputation, attracts visitors and encourages positive narratives about Ekiti.
He noted that previous editions of EKIFEST had enhanced the state’s image, expanded tourism opportunities and strengthened public confidence in Ekiti as a peaceful destination for culture and investment.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Adebanji Adelusi, the Director of Culture, Mr Joel Owooke, Director of Performing Arts, Mr Mobolaji Fasakin and a host of other members of management of the Ministry were also at the press conference.
