By Sunday Olatunji
In a spectacular display of exceptional performance and excellence, the Ado-Central Local Council Development Area’s (LCDA) Contingent , Ado Ekiti has been adjudged the overall best winner at the just-concluded Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST) 2025.
The LCDA superbly outperformed the other thirty-seven contingents, representing sixteen Local Governments and twenty-one LCDAs across the state to secure the prestigious top position . The impressive feat highlighted its vibrant
cultural heritage and unrelenting commitment to excellence.
At the colorful closing ceremony of the week-long event held at the Ekiti State Civic Centre in Ado Ekiti on Saturday,featuring special commendations for individuals,corporate organizations and governments- both the state and local governments in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the success of the program and presentation of awards to deserving winners .
Presenting the award,the former Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy in Ekiti State, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare,congratulated the chairman of the Council, Engr.Toyin Ojo,FNSE, and his team for emerging top spot.
Prof. Bakare commended Engr. Ojo for the timely release of funds to his contingent, saying, “I must commend you for your remarkable support towards the success of EKIFEST 2025. According to what I heard, you released funds to your contingent even before government disbursement, which is truly commendable and this significantly motivated your contingent to strive for victory.”
Addressing the newsmen shortly after the presentation of the award ,Engr. Ojo expressed gratitude to God for his Council’s triumph and appreciated the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi,for his support.
“I want to appreciate God and Ekiti State Governor,Mr Biodun Abayomi for the support.Today’s victory is a reflection of the existence of a harmonious working relationship between us and the state government. I equally commend my dynamic contingent for the brilliant performance. Your early preparation, unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and unrelenting passion again responsible for back to back win. “By the special grace of God, we will emerge first again next year” Ojo boasted .
Ado-Central LCDA came first in traditional wrestling, and traditional cuisine out of four activities featured in the competition .
It would be recalled that In EKIFEST 2024, the Council also emerged as the overall best winner,beating other thirty-seven participating contingents .
EKIFEST aims to preserve, promote, and develop the vibrant cultural heritage of Ekiti State, tapping into the creative potential of its people.
