By OKEBUIKEBODE BLESSING GLADNES
Exhibitors at the just-concluded EKIFEST 2026 Market Exhibition have given Governor Biodun Oyebanji a standing ovation – not just for the fanfare, but for closing the business loop.
The week-long expo, held at the historic Fajuyi Pavilion, turned Ado Ekiti into a commercial melting pot, drawing sellers and buyers from across state lines. From local crafts to cutting-edge services, the pavilion buzzed with non-stop transactions, cultural displays, and the unmistakable hum of cash registers.
Visitors thronged the venue daily, snapping up goods and immersing themselves in the state’s rich heritage. But beyond the cheers, exhibitors dropped a clear message: next year, turn up the volume on publicity.
“Sales were good – but with stronger awareness, they’d be unstoppable,” one trader told JIROLTV. “This expo is the perfect weapon against capital flight. Let’s shout it louder so every local producer gets the spotlight they deserve.”
As the curtain falls on this year’s edition, all eyes are on 2027 – with hopes that Oyebanji’s zero-tolerance policy on capital flight will get an even bigger megaphone, fueling a thriving ecosystem for homegrown entrepreneurs.
