Oyebanji Pledges Support for Cultural Growth at Ekiti Festival

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged the state government's commitment to bolstering cultural heritage, tourism, and economic development. Speaking at the 2026 Udiroko Festival in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji emphasized the potential of cultural festivals to drive local enterprise and employment when effectively packaged and promoted.

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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 called for the expansion and rebranding of the annual Udiroko Festival, which marks the community's new year. He envisions it becoming a significant cultural and economic platform capable of generating jobs, attracting investment, and fostering wealth for the state's residents. Oyebanji stated that the festival has evolved beyond a mere annual gathering into an iconic event for Ekiti.

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This festival is no longer just an annual festival for Ado Ekiti, but Ekiti festival; it has become an iconic festival. We need to sit down with the committee and find a way of expanding it.

"This festival is no longer just an annual festival for Ado Ekiti, but Ekiti festival; it has become an iconic festival. We need to sit down with the committee and find a way of expanding it," Oyebanji said. He added, "We should also use this festival as an avenue to create wealth and employment. I am confident that by the time I leave the office in 2030, we would have been able to rebrand this festival and make it much bigger and more impactful."

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We should also use this festival as an avenue to create wealth and employment. I am confident that by the time I leave the office in 2030, we would have been able to rebrand this festival and make it much bigger and more impactful.

Governor Oyebanji highlighted the government's dedication to supporting initiatives that promote Ekiti’s cultural heritage, tourism, and economic development. He praised the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, for his support and commitment to the state. The governor also urged continued support for President Bola Tinubu, citing the state's benefits from the president's interventions.

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The state government is committed to supporting initiatives that promote Ekiti’s cultural heritage, tourism and economic development. Cultural festivals could serve as important drivers of local enterprise and employment when properly packaged and promoted.