Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare has said that the forthcoming Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST) is a viable means of exposing talents and cultural potential of the state to the world.
To this end, the commissioner appealed to the people of the state to take advantage of the five days programme which will run between the 6th and 10th of August, 2024, to showcase their talents and culture by attending the programme.
Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti, the commissioner said all strategies have been put in place to ensure adequate security of lives and property of tourists and as well give them a positive impression about the state.
The commissioner said EKIFEST, which is an annual flagship, was created to project the exhibitions of talented individuals at the grassroots, in a bid to put Ekiti on the map of global culture.
He said, “We are here to tell you that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has given us marching order to host EKIFEST beginning from 6th of August to 10th, 2024 and it has to be the best EKIFEST ever.
“EKIFEST started because of the need to create a platform for the local government to bring what they have to the center for the purpose of exposure, exhibitions and marketing.
“EKIFEST was established to project talented people at the grassroots and expose them to the world.
“We are inviting visitors from all over Africa and beyond. This fellows are not just coming as tourists but to see what our people are capable of doing with their talents so that they can invest and take the products beyond the border of Ekiti and Nigeria.”
Reeling out activities designed for the festival, he said, “For this year, competitive events like fashion, creative art, traditional sports such as wrestling, street carnival, among others will be involved.
“We are working towards not having any breach of security before, during and after the event. We have reached out to virtually all the security agents in the state.”
He urged traders in the state to reduce the prices of their goods before, during and after the festival so that they can generate more income for themselves and the state.
EKIFEST 2024, opportunity to showcase talents, culture – Commissioner