Tuesday, October 29, 2024 marked a significant milestone in Ekiti State’s tourism landscape with the unveiling of the logo for the much-anticipated Ekiti Cultural Tourism Carnival.
The grand event took place at the stunning top floor of the Adekunle Fajuyi Park Tower, the first of its kind in the state, and attracted a diverse gathering of dignitaries, stakeholders, and cultural enthusiasts.
Organized by Kiti Face Lifestyle Ltd in collaboration with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, the event showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism potential of Ekiti State.
The President of Kiti Face Lifestyle Ltd, Mrs. Bose Idika, opened the ceremony with a heartfelt welcoming address, revealing the vision behind the carnival and the importance of cultural tourism in promoting Ekiti as a premier destination.
In her remarks, Mrs. Idika praised Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, for his unwavering commitment to enhancing tourism events within the state.
“Our goal with this carnival is to celebrate and promote our rich heritage, create jobs, and position Ekiti as a cultural tourism hub,” she stated.
Barrister Ojo-Lanre expressed his gratitude towards the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his supportive tourism policies that foster an environment ripe for tourism enhancement.
“This logo represents not just our cultural identity, but our collective aspiration to grow tourism in Ekiti,” he said.
The Special Guest of Honour, Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Princess Monisade Afuye, represented by Mr. Oluyomi Bolarinwa, Chairman of the Ekiti State Tourism Board, commended the initiative. She underscored its importance in showcasing the state’s cultural richness.
“Today, we unveil more than just a logo; we unveil a vision for a vibrant cultural future for Ekiti,” she announced as she revealed the logo to an enthusiastic audience.
Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare was represented by a delegation led by Permanent Secretary Barrister Oluwasola. The delegation included Abdulateef Banji Adelusi, Director of Culture, and other key members from the Ministry. The Commissioner emphasized the integral role of tourism in promoting cultural values, pledging the ministry’s unwavering support for the Ekiti Cultural Tourism Carnival.
The event was also graced by notable dignitaries, including the Director-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, Mr Folorunso Coker, represented by Rev Ebenezer Adesoro , Prince Caleb Osasona, Chairman of SOECA Ekiti State, Hon. Babatunde Dada of the Ekiti State Scholarship Board, Dr. Doerthy Charles and members of the Ekiti State Tourism Boards such as Mr. Isaiah Taiwo Apeye, Mr. Ajayi Joseph Ojo, and Mr. Afolabi Olorunfemi (Asorogbayi), all of whom witnessed this historic unveiling.
With the logo’s launch, the Ekiti Cultural Tourism Carnival stands poised to attract both local and international attention, celebrating the unique cultural heritage of Ekiti and driving forward the state’s tourism agenda.