EKIFEST 2026: ARIBASOYE HONOURED AS EKITI PILLAR OF ARTS
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, has been honoured with the Ekiti Pillar of Arts Award in recognition of his support for the development of arts and culture in the state and his leadership of the 7th Ekiti State House of Assembly.
Aribasoye received the award on Tuesday at a night of command performance marking the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST 2026) held at the Obafemi Awolowo Complex, Ado-Ekiti.
The award, organised by the State Government, was in recognition of the Speaker’s contributions to the growth and promotion of the creative sector, as well as his leadership and support for initiatives aimed at projecting Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Bakare, commended the Speaker and members of the 7th Assembly for what he described as their exemplary commitment to integrity, dignity and responsible public service.
Bakare, who coordinated the command performance particularly highlighted the institutional integrity of the Assembly and maintenance of a reputation for transparency under Aribasoye’s leadership, noting that the 7th Assembly had never demanded gratification from his ministry for any reason.
He further disclosed that, rather than seeking personal gratification, members of the Assembly had at a point contributed their personal resources to support the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in the actualisation of some of its programmes and initiatives.
He commended Speaker Aribasoye for providing what he described as “sterling leadership” to the 7th Assembly and for creating an environment in which the legislature could effectively support programmes that contribute to the development of the state.
In her remarks the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, described Rt. Hon. Aribasoye, as a pillar of the Biodun Oyebanji government.
Afuye who presented the award to the Speaker applauded him for his contributions to the government and the development of the state, a remark that highlighted the team spirit and healthy collaboration between the executive and the legislature in Ekiti State.
In the meantime the Speaker has expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him which he described as a collective glory for all the 26 members of the 7th assembly.
The recognition adds to the growing list of commendations for the Aribasoye-led 7th Assembly, which has placed emphasis on legislative effectiveness, institutional development, transparency, digital transformation and robust oversight since its inauguration in June 2023.
Among those honoured were popular actors Dele Odule and Odunlade Adekola; old time Ekiti born actor ‘Ojojolu’;veteran media entrepreneur Dr. Tope Agbeyo; media veteran and politician Senator Babafemi Ojudu, and Ikere-Ekiti-born Juju music maestro Micho Ade, among others.
Babajide Agbeyo
Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker
Ekiti State House of Assembly
