Governor Oyebanji Vows to Expand Ekiti's Udiroko Festival for Economic Gains

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration's dedication to initiatives designed to uplift Ekiti's rich cultural heritage, boost tourism, and foster economic prosperity. The Governor made these remarks on Wednesday at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, during the 2026 Udiroko Festival, which bore the theme, ‘Udiroko as the Signpost of Our History, Tradition and Cultural Values’. Governor Oyebanji underscored the potential of cultural festivals to stimulate local businesses and create employment opportunities when properly organized and promoted.

He advocated for the growth and rebranding of the annual Udiroko Festival in Ado Ekiti, which marks the community's new year. His vision is for the festival to evolve into a significant cultural and economic platform capable of generating jobs, attracting investments, and creating wealth for the state's populace. Oyebanji stated, “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. 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.”

He further 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. 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.”

The Governor also commended Oba Adejugbe for his unwavering support for the current administration and his commitment not only to Ado Ekiti but to the entire state. Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of Ado Ekiti and the state at large, urging them to continue their support for President Bola Tinubu, especially with the approaching 2027 presidential election, citing the benefits the state has received from the President’s interventions.

In his address from the royal throne, Oba Adejugbe extended congratulations to the sons and daughters of the community on the successful execution of this year's Udiroko Festival. The monarch remarked, “That ancient mandate given under an Iroko tree has matured and evolved over the years and decades to become not just a cultural showpiece, but also a tourist attraction that galvanises the whole of Ado Ekiti Kingdom, its sons and daughters, as well as our friends and well-wishers from around the world.”

Oba Adejugbe highlighted the tremendous progress and improvements observed across all sectors within the community. He appealed to individuals and organizations to invest in the state to create employment opportunities for young people and enhance the state's economy. The monarch affirmed that “Udiroko Festival will continue to provide opportunity for Ado Ekiti people, particularly the younger generation, to reconnect with their cultural roots while creating opportunities for businesses, artisans, hospitality operators and other economic players.” He also praised President Tinubu for his reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation's economy and called for more decisive actions to address the country's security challenges. The colourful 2026 Udiroko Festival saw a large gathering of community members, both residents and those from afar, at the palace grounds.