The Ekiti State Government has announced that celebrated Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola, former Presidential Adviser Senator Babafemi Ojudu, veteran actress Peju Ogunmola, businessman Dr Tope Agbeyo, the Olowa of Ise, Oba Adetunji Ayodele David Ajayi (Aweloye II) and Chief Ogundolu will be honoured at the 2026 Ekiti Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting Ekiti’s cultural heritage and positive image.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, made the announcement during the EKIFEST 2026 press conference held in Ado-Ekiti, where he unveiled the programme of activities for the festival scheduled for August 11 to 15, 2026.
Themed “Continuity: Pathway to Enduring Shared Prosperity,” the five-day festival is designed to celebrate Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage while fostering creativity, tourism and economic development.
Prof. Bakare said the award recipients have made remarkable contributions in the fields of arts, culture, public service and philanthropy, noting that the honours reflect the state’s appreciation for individuals who have consistently projected Ekiti’s values, traditions and identity on both national and international platforms.
He described EKIFEST as the state’s flagship cultural festival, bringing together heritage, innovation and creativity while providing a platform for talent discovery, cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
According to him, the festival will feature competitions and exhibitions in traditional music and dance, visual arts, indigenous fashion, traditional cuisine, wrestling, indigenous games and bush bar exhibitions, among other cultural displays.
The commissioner explained that this year’s festival aligns with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s people-centred development agenda by empowering young talents, promoting cultural values and positioning Ekiti as a preferred destination for tourism, creative enterprise and ethical leadership
Prof. Bakare also announced a major adjustment to the festival schedule, revealing that the opening ceremony will commence at 10:00 a.m. on August 11, instead of the traditional evening session, due to security considerations.
He added that the command performance, “The Trials of Omoluabi,” written and directed by Prof. Bakare, will be staged indoors at the Arts Theatre later on the opening day.
The commissioner disclosed that the festival is expected to attract the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy or her representative, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, commissioners for culture from across the country, traditional rulers and other top government officials.
Governor Oyebanji, members of the State Executive Council and lawmakers are also expected to participate in the week-long cultural celebration.
Highlighting the economic significance of the event, Prof. Bakare described arts and culture as powerful drivers of economic growth and social development, stressing that EKIFEST stimulates commerce, attracts tourists and investors, creates employment opportunities and productively engages young people.
He further disclosed that plans have been concluded to livestream the festival to audiences across Nigeria and beyond, a move aimed at showcasing Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage to the world and strengthening the state’s reputation as a leading hub for culture, tourism and the creative economy.