Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged sustained government backing for initiatives that showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and unlock new opportunities in tourism and enterprise.

Speaking at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, during the Udiroko Festival, the governor described the celebration as a powerful symbol of Ekiti identity and a potential engine for economic growth. The festival, which marks the traditional new year for Ado Ekiti, was held under the theme “Udiroko as the Signpost of Our History, Tradition and Cultural Values.”

Oyebanji said the time had come to move Udiroko beyond a local cultural gathering and transform it into a flagship event on Nigeria’s tourism calendar. He argued that, with proper planning, branding and promotion, the festival could attract visitors, investors and creative industries, while generating jobs for artisans, performers, hospitality operators and small businesses.

He noted that Udiroko now belongs not only to Ado Ekiti but to the entire state, describing it as an iconic festival that should be deliberately expanded. The governor expressed confidence that, by the end of his tenure, the celebration would have been significantly rebranded and elevated into a major cultural and economic platform.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Oyebanji said the state government would continue to support programmes that protect Ekiti’s traditions, deepen community pride and open new streams of revenue through culture-based tourism.

The governor also used the occasion to commend Oba Adejugbe for his steady support for the state government and for championing unity and development across Ekiti. He thanked the people of Ado Ekiti and Ekiti at large for their cooperation and urged them to sustain their backing for national leadership, noting that the state had benefited from federal interventions.

In his address, Oba Adejugbe traced the origins of Udiroko to an ancient mandate given under an Iroko tree, explaining that the festival has evolved from a purely traditional rite into a major cultural showpiece and tourist attraction. He said the celebration now galvanises sons and daughters of Ado Ekiti, as well as friends of the kingdom from within and outside Nigeria.

The monarch highlighted the progress recorded in the community and called on individuals and organisations to invest in Ekiti to create jobs and strengthen the local economy. He stressed that Udiroko would continue to offer younger generations a chance to reconnect with their roots while opening space for businesses and creative ventures.