The Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture has reiterated its commitment to complimenting the value reorientation policy of the present administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi through cultural rejuvenation, promotion and development of the arts sector to conform to international best practice.
This was contained in a statement credited to the Director General, Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre at an international cultural event to mark the 59th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria in Budapest, Hungary.
Ojo Lanre lauded the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for being pragmatic in his approach to cultural rejuvenation agenda, adding that giving the contingent an opportunity to showcase the Ekiti rich cultural heritage to the world is a demonstration of his high level of commitment to achieving ir.
He assured that the Council is fully prepared to live above board in the quest to achieve the target of this administration in this regard, saying to whom much is given, much is expected.
He informed that the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration has empowered the Council to embark on talent discovery and empowerment and to initiate ideas that will help transform Ekiti arts and crafts from mere entertainment to tools for economic development among.
The Director General who disclosed that the Council is scheduled to showcase Ekiti cultural heritage at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) coming up in Edo State as well as Abuja Carnival 2019 added that Ekiti State is also preparing to host the world in the second week of December when the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture “EKIFEST 2019” will come alive.
In her submission, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi who was the special guest of honour at the Independence Day Celebration held at Marriott Hotel, Budapest described Nigeria as a paragon of arts and culture with amazing tourism potentialities and viable mineral resources waiting to be harnessed.
She urged the guests, who included over 40 foreign ambassadors and diplomats, to invest in Nigeria adding that Nigeria is a country of hospitable people with high return on investment.
The Nigeria ambassador to Hungary, Dr. Eniola Ajayi who could not hide her enthusiasm at the spectacular performance exhibited by the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe both at the 59th Independence Day Celebrations and the command performance noted that it would be an understatement to describe the contingent as Ekiti Cultural Troupe but rather a pan-Nigeria Cultural Team as their performance showcased the import of collective responsibility, harmonious cohabitation, and ethnic reinforcement that seek to leverage on the diversity perception at building a strong Nigeria.
It is to be noted that the State Standing Cultural Troupe was at Hungary on the invitation of the Nigeria Embassy in Hungary for the celebration of the 59th Independence Day of Nigeria based on its performance pedigree.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
