Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to leverage his office to position the state as a major hub for cultural tourism and the creative economy in Nigeria and Africa.

The governor said his administration’s investments in the creative sector were aimed at creating opportunities that would improve the lives of the productive population while driving economic growth.

Oyebanji made the remarks on Tuesday while flagging off the 2026 edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST) at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

The festival has the theme, “Continuity, The Pathway to Ensuring Prosperity.”

The governor urged Ekiti youths to harness their talents, skills and creative potential to create jobs, establish businesses and generate wealth.

He stressed that the state’s investment in the creative economy must translate into tangible opportunities for young people and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage and developing the creative industry as a key driver of tourism, employment and prosperity.