VISION-DRIVEN STATES MUST TAP INTO ARTS AND CULTURE FOR GROWTH — ARIBASOYE
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has called on forward-thinking states across Nigeria to harness the vast opportunities within the arts and culture sector as a catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion, and identity preservation.
Aribasoye made this remark while representing the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Declaring the festival open on behalf of the governor, the Speaker described the ongoing transformation in the state’s arts and culture landscape as both impressive and inspiring. He commended the festival’s Director, Prof. Ojo Bakare, for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions during his tenure as Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
Rt. Hon. Aribasoye underscored the festival’s numerous benefits — including job creation, economic empowerment, investment attraction, and talent development — noting that arts and culture remain vital tools for community development and youth engagement.
Expressing concern over the gradual decline in cultural awareness, he urged collective action toward preserving cultural heritage, reconnecting with ancestral values, and nurturing a strong sense of identity among the younger generation.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Bamidele Arowosola, lauded the peace and harmony that define Ekiti State, attributing them to the people’s respect for culture, tradition, and shared values — virtues the festival proudly celebrates.
He also praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s exemplary leadership, emphasizing that his commitment to inclusiveness and cultural promotion has earned Ekiti recognition as one of the top two performing states in national cultural events.
The 2025 edition of the festival continues to position Ekiti as a hub of creativity, heritage, and sustainable development — a reflection of the state’s vision for shared prosperity through arts and culture.
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