By Editor
The 2026 edition of Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, (EKifest) promises to be a remarkable life time experience as the state once again, sets to showcase its rich Cultural potentials to the world.
This is, as the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy unfolded a series of mind boggling innovative events commemorating the week long event scheduled to hold between August 11-15 2026
In a press conference attended by journalists from various media houses on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare disclosed that Ekiti State has enjoyed the rare privilege of being at the forefront as Nigeria’s cultural ambassador and hence the need to showcase the same in the forth coming festival.
He explained that the event is targeted at the youths whom he described as the drivers of economy noting that the Festival has been designed as a period where youths are occupied in various creative activities showcasing their talents by representing their local government during the event.
He mentioned the economic value chain of such congmeloration of people from various communities to the local economy during the week long activities.
The theme of this year’s festival is -‘Continuity, Pathway to Enduring Shared Prosperity’.
The Commissioner added that over the years, EKIFEST has contributed to the economic development of the state, and that Nollywood artistes, Odunlade Adekola, Peju Ogunmola, Chief Ojojolu would be given award of excellence due to their contributions to creative development in the country. A reknowned artist Olowe of Ise would be given a Post humous award for his landmark achievement in Arts.
His words:
“The Festival of Arts and Culture, EKIFEST is the premier cultural showcase of Ekiti State. Its a vibrant convergence of heritage, creativity, and celebration.
“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.
“It creates a platform for easy showcase of creative and artistic talents and talent discovery while enhancing economic diversification through attraction of investment opportunities to Ekiti State.
“Consequently, 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”
On the worrisome security situation in the country, the Commissioner stated that security situation has been taken into cognizance to achieve hitchfree event.
Said he; “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.
“On that day, 11th, we have an evening program but it will be an indoor program where we are sitting inside the arts theater and that is when we are going to have our command performance in the evening.
” The command performance for EKIFEST this year is titled, The “Trials of Omoluabi’, It’s an adaptation of a Dele Odule’s work written and directed by Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare.
” It’s a response to the current political situation, especially our national politics in Nigeria. The following day, second day, 12th of August, we’ll have traditional wrestling, traditional music and dance, children’s visual arts and children’s essay writing.
According to him; “All of the events of the 12th of August are competitive events. On the 13th, traditional music and dance competition will continue and then there will be assessment of the festival arts exhibition and market. We’ll have a festival exhibition and market at the small pavilion and that is where the opening ceremony will hold on the fourth day.
“We’re inviting the representative of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in Nigeria. The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture is invited. My colleague commissioners from all over the country, because as you are aware, I’m the Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Arts, Culture, Tourism, Creative Economy and Heritage in Nigeria”
The renowned Professor of dance used the occasion to highlight the pride of place Ekiti State has achieved during the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a brand ambassador of Nigeria in global competition.
Present at the event are top officials of the Ministry led by the PS Prince Banji Adelusi, directors in the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Ministry as well as an array of journalists drawn from print and electronic media.
