….As Odunlade Adekola, Peju Ogunmola, others to receive awards

Ekiti State government has disclosed it’s intention in harnessing this year’s Festival of Arts and Culture EKIFEST to tackle crime rates among the youths by engaging them actively in the week long events.

The government declared that the Festival has been designed as a period where youths are occupied in various creative activities to showcase their talents and represent their local government during the event at the state capital,thus making the festival  an economic booster for the state.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the state Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy . Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, while addressing Journalists to highlight the activities of the festival.

According to him, the event will hold between Aug 11th -15th ,2026  at Obafemi Awolowo civic Center,in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, adding that, theme of 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”

The Commissioner stated that security situation is taken into cognizance to achieve hitchfree event.

“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.

“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.