I’ll make Ekiti leading tourism hub, Oyebanji assures 

Ekiti state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to deploy the instrument of office to make Ekiti a major hub for cultural tourism and creative economy that will transform the lives of the productive population in Nigeria and Africa.

In order for the huge investments of his administration in creative economy not to result to naught, the governor appealed to Ekiti youth to deploy their talents and creative endowments as instruments to create jobs, businesses and wealth that can accelerate economic development. 

Oyebanji gave the charge Wednesday while flagging  off the 2026 edition of Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture(EKIFEST), held at Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, with the theme: “Continuity, The Pathway to Ensuring Prosperity.”

Prior to the actual commencement of the festival, thousands of contingents drawn across the 16 local governments, Local Council Development Areas and other non-Ekiti nationalities, had held a cultural parade round Ado Ekiti, the state capital, to create awareness about the festival geared towards preserving and sustaining the culture and traditions of the people. 

Represented at the cultural fiesta by the deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, the governor was emphatic that creativity and talents development were propitious platforms to build businesses and create jobs for the teeming productive population to survive under the current economy.

Governor Oyebanji  said his vision as a leader, who  believes in economic diversification, is to make Ekiti a frontline destination in cultural economy, branding  Arts , Culture and Tourism as possessing  huge economic potential that can transform any community or nation.