By Banji Ayoola
Ekiti State Government has been making huge investment in the Tourism sector as an engine to empower the youths through talent development and attraction of investors to make the state a destination of choice.
Making this disclosure on Sunday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital,
the Director General of the State Council of Arts and Culture, ESCAC, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, said that the Dr Kayode Fayemi administration in particular, attaches great importance to the sector.
According to him, the administration strongly believes that any African nation which fails to make reasonable investment in the area of arts, culture and tourism potentials would have to contend with hard-biting poverty.
Ojo-Lanre spoke while unveiling the logo for this year’s edition of Ekiti State Cultural Festival, EKIFEST.
The three day festival would kick off on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.
He disclosed that the Fayemi administration has developed a robust and modern arts, culture and tourism master-plan that can combat poverty in the state.
The Director General said that EKIFEST cultural fiesta was conceptualised to re-awaken the rich arts and culture of Ekiti people. Besides, it is to inject money into the state’s economy, thereby improving the living standards of the people through job creation and strong investment drives.
EKIFEST 2019 beginning Wednesday December 11, would hold under the Theme: “Arts and Culture: Tool for Restoration of Values and Socio-Economic Empowerment.”
Venues for the events in the programme are Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti; Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi- Ekiti; and Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti.
The three day festival, according to a Statement from the State’s Council of Arts and Culture, would kick off on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 with Local Government Art Exhibition/Cuisine/Bush Bar Competition at Ekiti State Pavilion; Parade of Carnivals on the Streets of the State Capital; Traditional Games and Sports at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti; and Screening of Dr. Wale Okediran’s Movie ‘Tenant of the House’ at Jibowu House.
On Day Two, which is Thursday December 12, there would be Fun Ride to Ikogosi by all Delegates and Troupes; Colloquium/Workshop; Ekiti Culturepreneur; Kegites Gyration; and Taste of Ekiti, all at Ikogosi Warm Spring.
These would be followed by Departure to the Festival Arena in Ado-Ekiti; Performance Arts Competition by Local Government Troupes at Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti; and Command Performance of the Stage Play: “Ifajuyigbe” at Adetiloye Hall, Ado-ekiti.
The Festival would be rounded off on Friday December 13 with Traditional Poetry/Local Government Continuation; and Ekiti Dress Fashion Show at Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti.
These would be followed by Heritage Carnival Parade by the Local Governments; Arrival of Guests/National Anthem; Performances of Selected Troupes; Awards of Certificates; and Musical Concert by Guest Artiste/Featured Musicians.
