Ekiti state government has reiterated its commitment to the promotion of the cultural and tourism values of the state to the world.
The Director General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre stated this while speaking during the unveiling of the logo for the forthcoming Ekiti Cultural Tourism Carnival by the Kitiface Lifestyle Limited.
Ojo-Lanre who commended Kitiface for the initiative said the administration of Biodun Oyebanji is ready to collaborate with private individuals and organizations towards making the state’s tourism capital in the country.
He added that the festival would help in showcasing to the potential visitors the series of cultural values and heritage in the state, adding that the carnival would in no small measure improve the economic development of the state.
According to him, “Tourism is private sector driven and this is coming from a private sector organization called Kitiface Lifestyle Limited. All we need to do as a government is to provide the enabling environment and that’s what we have done.
“They are bringing back almost going into extinction values and culture. They want to initiate and encourage the young ones. This is one of those things that is adding value and reinitializing the cultural values of Ekiti and I want to commend Kitiface for the initiative.”
The Project Director and CEO of Kitiface Lifestyle Limited, Bose Idiaka said that the cultural tourism carnival was conceived to showcase the rich culture and tourism potentials of the state.
She revealed that the major event will start from 28th to 30th November 2024 at Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti involving students and community members from different parts of the state.
Idiaka said, “Everybody sees tourism as one of the promoters of our economy. The idea of the cultural tourism carnival is to celebrate our culture and heritage and people to celebrate our heritage. When you miss culture and tourism, it is called cultural tourism.”
“All the eight tertiary institutions in the State are coming to showcase their culture in Adire attire and other towns will be available.
“The whole Ekiti state and the environs will feel the vibe of this carnival to showcase ourselves in different dresses and delicacies.”
Speaking, the commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare commended the organization for initiating the carnival which he said would further help in promoting the cultural values of the state.
Represented by the permanent secretary, Dele Arowosola, the commissioner said the ministry would be willing to collaborate with organizations such as Kitiface in contributing to the state’s economic development through arts and culture.
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