By Olukayode Ogunleye
It was an Eldorado of culture as Ijero Local Government contingent stormed the Fajuyi Mini Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, venue of the ongoing five-day Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST) 2026, with a spectacular display of the rich cultural heritage of the people.
The festival, themed “Pathway to an Enduring Shared Prosperity,” commenced with a colourful procession from Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, to the Fajuyi Mini Pavilion, where government officials, cultural enthusiasts and residents gathered to witness another edition of the celebration.
The event was officially declared open by the Ekiti State Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Monisade Afuye, as the state reaffirmed its commitment to using culture as a tool for unity, development and shared prosperity.
The Ijero Local Government contingent, resplendent in colourful traditional attire, added glamour to the occasion with melodious indigenous songs, captivating cultural displays and traditional aesthetics that reflected the rich heritage of the people.
The performance attracted enthusiastic applause from spectators and participants, as the delegation demonstrated the depth and diversity of Ijero’s cultural traditions.
Beyond the entertainment, Ijero’s participation underscored the importance of preserving indigenous values, traditions and cultural expressions while passing them on to younger generations.
The five-day festival brings together cultural groups from across Ekiti State to celebrate the state’s diverse heritage through music, dance, traditional costumes, arts and other forms of cultural expression.
The festival also provides a platform for communities to showcase their unique identities while fostering unity, cultural exchange and appreciation of Ekiti’s rich historical heritage.
Ijero Local Government’s colourful outing at the Fajuyi Mini Pavilion has further projected the area as a proud custodian of a vibrant cultural heritage, adding significant colour and excitement to the 2026 EKIFEST celebration.
