JUST-IN: Ekiti to represent Nigeria at International Arts Festival in India

Adebayo Adenrele



Ekiti State Ministry of Arts Culture and Tourism has been selected by the Federal government of Nigeria to represent the country at the 2023 Surajkund International Arts Festival holding in India from 3rd to 19th February 2023.

According to the letter of invitation which is addressed to the immediate past Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism ,Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, the choice of Ekiti State is as a result of the dominance of the State in the Culture and Tourism sector since 2020.

NEWSTODAYNG gathered that Ekiti State has, been winning all the Awards in the Culture and Tourism Sector for its performance among other States since 2020.

These awards include three times NAFEST Best States Awards, Second Best Tourism State Award, Hosting of the Tourism Festival of the Year 2021 Awards, First Position in INAC Award and so on.

The expenses for International Air Travels, Accommodation, Feeding and local Travels will be borne by the Federal Government and the Indian authorities.

While reacting to the State’s nomination for the international outing, Prof Bakare confirmed that the State won itself such recognition based on the patient investment in the Sector since 2019. He said those investments were already beginning to yield results which in turn would lead to positive economic transformation of the State through Arts, Culture and Tourism.

“This is how it works. There is a time to work and then you wait for the results. Our sector is not manufacturing tyres and selling them off right on the spot. No! in the Creative and Tourism sectors, you must invest earnestly, follow up patiently, and then, the products you have developed and the super structures you have laid will begin to attract unstoppable patronage” Prof Bakare said.