OYEBANJI VOWS TO PROMOTE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AT EKITI FESTIVAL
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives aimed at preserving the state’s cultural heritage while promoting tourism and economic development.
Oyebanji spoke on Wednesday at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, during the 2026 Udiroko Festival, themed, “Udiroko as the Signpost of Our History, Tradition and Cultural Values.”
The governor described cultural festivals as potential drivers of economic growth, local enterprise and employment when properly developed and promoted.
He called for the expansion and rebranding of the annual Udiroko Festival, which marks the traditional new year of Ado Ekiti, to transform it into a major cultural and economic event capable of attracting tourists, creating jobs and generating wealth for residents.
Oyebanji said the festival had grown beyond an annual celebration in Ado Ekiti and had evolved into an important cultural event for the entire state.
According to him, his administration would work with the festival committee to expand its scope and increase its economic impact.
He said, “Udiroko Festival has grown beyond an annual cultural gathering and should now be deliberately developed into a major tourism and economic event while preserving its historical significance, cultural values and traditions.”
The governor expressed confidence that the festival would be significantly rebranded and expanded before the end of his tenure in 2030.
Oyebanji also praised the Ewi of Ado Ekiti for his support for the state government and his commitment to the development of Ado Ekiti and the wider state.
He urged the people of Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election, noting that the state had benefited from various interventions by the Federal Government.
In his remarks, Oba Adejugbe congratulated the people of Ado Ekiti on the successful celebration of the Udiroko Festival.
The monarch said the festival had evolved from an ancient cultural tradition into a major tourist attraction capable of bringing together indigenes of Ado Ekiti, visitors and friends from across the world.
He called on individuals and organisations to invest in Ekiti State to create employment opportunities for young people and strengthen the state’s economy.
The monarch added that Udiroko Festival would continue to provide opportunities for younger generations to reconnect with their cultural heritage while creating business opportunities for artisans, hospitality operators and other economic players.
The festival attracted sons and daughters of Ado Ekiti from within and outside the state, who gathered at the palace grounds to celebrate the community’s cultural heritage and traditions.
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