By Jimoh Babatunde

The Ekiti Commissioner for Art and Culture, Mr Ojo Bakare, has said that the government would diversify its economy by harnessing the abundant potential of the creative arts and cultural resources.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Bakare said that the state needed to be innovative by unveiling bold initiatives to foster creativity and economic growth.

He said that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti had approved immediate implementation of economic development of the creative arts, talent promotion and promoting culture and heritage.

“An endowment fund programme has also been launched to enhance the skills of emerging talents in the creative arts sector.”

Bakare explained that the ground-breaking initiative was aimed at nurturing talents, promoting cultural heritage, and stimulating economic development in Ekiti.

The initiatives approved by the governor for immediate implementation, according to the commissioner, are the Economic development of the creative arts businesses in the state under which the ministry will be activating Ekiti State Arts Endowment Fund as a direct intervention to provide financial support for practising artists in the state.

He said the fund is to ensure that creative minds have the resources needed to bring their visions to life.

 Bakare added that under Talent Development, there will be a comprehensive five-month training program to cultivate and enhance the skills of emerging talents in the creative arts sectors namely: music, dance, acting, sculpting painting, crafts making, digital content creation and so on.

“After the training, a take-off grant will be given to empower graduates of this program to start their artistic businesses.

“The second category of initiatives falls under the provision of infrastructure. I hereby announce to you that we are starting the construction of a state-of-the-art Ekiti State Cultural Centre in Ado-Ekiti.

This infrastructure will be a unique one as it will be a proper cultural centre in the real sense of the word. This will not be another glass house, but a concept that celebrates our indigenous technology and the creative energies of our people.”

Mr Bakare said they will be working with traditional rulers to repackage Traditional Festivals for Community Economic Empowerment.

“The ministry recognises the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional festivals. A new initiative will retool these traditional festivals to generate funds for local communities, providing economic value and fostering cultural pride.

“The idea is to reschedule these festivals in the willing communities to be in sync with the global holiday calendar so that these festivals and the State EKIFEST will work together to direct traffic to Ekiti State.

He added: “The ministry aims to make Ekiti a weekend destination by reinforcing the Sunday- Sunday variety show. This initiative encourages spending within the community, boosting the local economy and also creating entertainment for families as the contents of the Sunday- variety show is family-friendly.

“I hereby announce to you that the state flagship festival, Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, will be held this year. Ekifest will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti State as well as the diverse talents within Ekiti and beyond. This event promises to be a platform for artistic exchange, fostering unity and appreciation of cultural diversity.