By Tope Obembe
The Executive Chairman of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare, has commended the council’s cultural troupe and entire contingent for their impressive performance and active participation in the 2026 Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST), held at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.
Hon. Bakare praised members of the cultural troupe and the entire contingent for their dedication, discipline and commitment, noting that their efforts contributed significantly to Irewolede LCDA’s strong showing at the five-day festival.
The Chairman also commended the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for recognising the importance of EKIFEST and supporting the festival as a platform for preserving, promoting and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state.
According to Hon. Bakare, EKIFEST, which commenced in 2012, was established to discover and promote hidden talents among the people of Ekiti while preserving the state’s culture, traditions and heritage and presenting them to a wider audience.
She noted that the continued hosting of the festival reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Ekiti’s cultural values and indigenous talents receive the recognition they deserve.
Hon. Bakare further commended the Director of Community, Mr. Akande Sunday Ladi, for his dedication and effective coordination of the council’s participation, which she said contributed to Irewolede LCDA’s impressive performance at the festival.
She particularly celebrated the council’s overall fifth-place finish and its outstanding second-place position in the Women’s Drumming Competition, describing the achievements as a testament to the hard work, talent and determination of the council’s representatives.
The five-day EKIFEST featured a variety of cultural and artistic activities, including traditional wrestling, traditional music and cultural dance competitions, children’s art and craft competitions, children’s essay competitions, an art exhibition and cultural market, as well as the Women’s Drumming Competition, among others.
The Irewolede LCDA delegation to the festival comprised the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare; the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adebo Adewale; the Head of the Local Council Development Area, Mr. Babatunde Vincent; the Director of Community, Mr. Akande Sunday Ladi; members of the council’s cultural troupe; and other officials.
Hon. Bakare congratulated all members of the Irewolede LCDA contingent and urged them to sustain the spirit of excellence. She noted that their performance had further demonstrated the richness of the council’s cultural heritage and the abundance of talent among its people.