Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting the state’s cultural heritage, tourism and creative economy.
Oyebanji made the commitment on Wednesday during the 2026 Udiroko Festival at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe. He called for the expansion and rebranding of the annual festival to make it a major cultural and economic attraction.
The governor said the Udiroko Festival had grown beyond an annual cultural gathering and should be developed into a platform capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and generating wealth for residents.
According to him, the festival should be repositioned while preserving its historical significance and traditional values. He described it as an iconic event that now represents not only Ado Ekiti but the wider Ekiti identity.
Oyebanji said the state government would continue supporting initiatives that promote cultural heritage, tourism and economic development.
He also expressed confidence that the festival could become significantly bigger and more impactful before the end of his administration.
The governor's position is consistent with his wider cultural development agenda. Earlier this month, while launching the 2026 Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, EKIFEST, he pledged to make Ekiti a leading destination for cultural tourism and a creative economy hub.
He has also urged young people to turn their creative talents into businesses and employment opportunities, stressing that culture and creativity can contribute significantly to the state's economic growth.
The expansion of cultural festivals is expected to strengthen Ekiti's tourism profile while creating more opportunities for artists, performers, entrepreneurs and other players in the creative sector.
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