Ekiti to host over 50,000 tourists for maiden international theatre festival

No fewer than 50,000 tourists, artists, and stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria are expected to converge in Ekiti for the maiden edition of the Ekiti International Theatre Festival (EITF), scheduled to hold from August 20 to 25, 2025.

The Festival Director, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, Ado-Ekiti.

He said the event is a private-public partnership between the Lagos-based Duke of Shomolu Foundation and the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

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According to him, the Duke of Shomolu Foundation is solely funding the festival, while the ministry is serving as host.

Bakare explained that August 20 will be the arrival date for participants, while competitive performances will run from August 21 to 23 at the Civic Centre Ado-Ekiti.

He said, ” The festival will feature theatrical performances from all 16 local government areas of Ekiti, with the best four advancing to the finals.

” Three special “command performances” will also be staged Ladi Kwali (August 21), Sardauna (August 22), and Kashimawo (August 23), all of which are historical plays designed to teach moral lessons and preserve Nigeria’s heritage.

” On August 24, activities will shift to Ikogosi warm springs resort for a day-long cultural exchange, before returning to Ado-Ekiti for the grand finale and awards ceremony on August 25.”

He emphasised that the festival is aimed at boosting the state’s image, identifying young talents, and contributing to the local economy.

The former commissioner for Arts, culture and creative economy, added that the event would also position Ekiti prominently on the global cultural map, while encouraging residents to attend in large numbers and extend the state’s trademark hospitality to visitors.

The professor said,” The content of the festival is designed in a way that Ekiti State is mapped into the traditional 16 local government areas. Each of the 16 LGAs will bring a theatrical performance. So the 16 local governments are competing and we will be choosing the best four for prizes and awards.

“Bringing this festival into Ekiti is part of our effort to mainstream creative arts into the economy of Ekiti State. We are hosting this festival because art is soft power in international and national diplomacy. I can proudly state that Ekiti State today enjoys a good image nationally and internationally.

“In public relations, in image making and building, the creative arts are very powerful, it’s an image maker and through this festival, we are also contributing to the making of the global image of our dear state.”

Bakare further revealed that “plans are in place to host the festival annually in Ekiti for the next five years, provided there is strong local support.“