The Chairman and CEO of Cornfield Group, renowned cultural patron Dr. Tope Michael Agbeyo, will be among the distinguished personalities honoured at the prestigious 2026 Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture, scheduled to take place from August 11 to 15 under the theme “Continuity: Pathway to Enduring Shared Prosperity.”
This recognition underscores the Ekiti State Government’s resolve to leverage arts and culture as a powerful tool for economic diversification, job creation, and investment promotion.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Rasaki Bakare, described the festival as a strategic investment in talent discovery, youth empowerment, and the positioning of Ekiti as a hub of creative excellence. He noted that the state is already benefiting from its vibrant creative sector and the growing interest in its rich cultural heritage.
Bakare explained that the five-day festival will highlight Ekiti’s cultural identity, unity, and innovation through competitions in traditional performances, indigenous cuisine, wrestling, fashion, and games.
He added that the programme would provide opportunities for artists and creatives to showcase their talents, attract investment, and strengthen economic diversification.
The festival is projected to attract tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. In addition to Dr. Tope Agbeyo, several distinguished personalities will be honoured for their contributions to the advancement of arts and culture. These include the late Olowe of Ise (posthumously), Chief Ojo Olowojolu (Ojojolu), celebrated actors Odunlade Adekola and Peju Ogunmola, as well as cultural patron Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
Dignitaries expected at the event include the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika; commissioners of Arts and Culture from across the country; Governor Biodun Oyebanji; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly; local government leaders; and traditional rulers.
Activities lined up for the festival include a command performance of “The Trial of Omoluwabi”, traditional wrestling, music and dance showcases, children’s visual arts and essay competitions, female drumming contests, indigenous cuisine exhibitions, and a grand awards ceremony.
Bakare described the annual cultural celebration as a major platform for showcasing Ekiti’s heritage, creativity, and cultural identity, while simultaneously creating economic opportunities and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a centre of cultural excellence.
