Ekiti set to host Maiden International Theater Festival

By Adebomi Idowu, Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti state government through the ministry of Arts Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Duke of Somolu Foundation is set to host the maiden edition of the International Theater Festival.

The festival Director, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare who made this known to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday August 2025 said the event was a 

collaboration of a private public partnership which is aimed at projecting talents and cultural heritage to the world.

According to Professor Bakare the activities will commence on the 20th of August with arrival of guests across the country and beyond including  participants drawn across the sixteen local governments of the state.

The participants from the sixteen local government areas  will compete in theater performances and winners will be handsomely  rewarded with gifts and prizes.

" The governor of the state Biodun Oyebanji will declare the festival open here at the civic centre and their will be command of performances by various participants while the judges will pick the best 4 out of the sixteen for the final round of perfomance in Ikogosi Resort before the grand finale in Ado Ekiti on the 25th" Professor Bakare noted.

He said apart from the command  performances of the local governments, 3 plays will also  be  presented, they include ; Ladi Kwali, a play narrating the life of the popular pot maker written by Professor Ojo Bakare, Kasimawo a play written in honour of late MKO Abiola and 'Saduana' written by Professor Ahmed Yerima.

When asked about the benefits Ekiti stands to gain, the former commissioner maintains that apart from Ekiti turning to  a  tourist attraction, guests will no doubt boost the economy and commercial activities of the state .He  declared  that over 50,000 guests are being expected to storm the Ekiti for the festival.

"  The festival will  uncover creative  talents in Ekiti and their performances  will no doubt catapult them to the global stage."

He therefore  called on Ekiti people to be part of the  history by coming out to project the state for the  hospitality which Ekiti's are known  for and also partake of the fun for the five days.

Captains of Industries, top government officials and  A list actors and actresses are expected to grace the event.