Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has praised Ekiti youths for their unanimous decision to shun the recent nationwide protest in order to avert wanton destruction of facilities and worsening economic situation that could further impoverish the citizens.
Oyebanji stated that refraining from participating in the protest engineered to call government’s attention to the economic situation in the country shouldn’t be misconstrued as an act of cowardice by Ekiti people.
The Governor hinged the state’s huge investment in the Arts, Culture and Tourism sector on the realisation that the creative industry has become income spinning, capable of providing jobs for the citizens and income that can bolster the state’s economic.
Oyebanji gave the clarification in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, at the Command performance of Langbodo by the State’s Performing Company, as part of the activities marking the 2024 edition of Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST).
Speaking at the well attended event, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Center, Oyebanji who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the stage play confirmed that the current government gives unfettered opportunity to its personnel to showcase their artistry potentials.
Speaking about the nationwide protest that commenced on August 1, where Ekiti youths refused to partake, Oyebanji, said: “where others were protesting, we chose to be peaceful. Where others were agitating for crisis, we preferred to be law abiding.
“Our action was not a sign of cowardice , but a determination not to destroy our meagre infrastructures and further worsen the suffering of our people and cripple our economy”.
Speaking about the import of Langbodo, Oyebanji disclosed that it taught a lucid lesson that all Nigerians must be patriotic, committed and brave to defend Nigeria, regardless of political affiliations, religious leanings and ethnicity.
Oyebanji commended the Director of the production and a Professor of Dance, Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, for launching Ekiti to the limelight with EKIFEST and Langbodo Play.
“As we leave here, let us carry the spirit of Langbodo with us. Let us be brave in the face of challenges, cherish our heritage and strive to make positive impact in our society.
“Together, we can make our country and our state better. Let us have the confidence that there is nothing that can’t be achieved with cooperation and unity of purpose in the atmosphere of peace.
“I enjoin you to play down tribalism, religiosity, and politics of bitterness in the running of the affairs of our nation for genuine peace to reign in our land. Let us join hands together to build a better Nigeria that we shall all be proud of”.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaq Ojo Bakare, said culture and arts enterprise, has become a huge cash cow generating revenues substantial enough to run the affairs of any country.
Prof Bakare said “Langbodo” was a movie domesticated from the renowned ‘Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Olodumare’, written by the prodigious playwright, D. O. Fagunwa, to thrill and enrich the film industry and give Nigerians hope as well as act of patriotism and loyalty.