With 28 plays from 16 LGA and three major plays and two Masterclasses, it is designed to be the most influential gathering of thespians in the country
Over 200,000 spectators are expected at the two-location event
The beautiful and serene Ikogosi Warm Springs would be hosting the semi-finals which would have four LGs compete
The Senate Majority leader and Grand Patron of the Festival Sen Michael Opeyemi Bamidele with his support has emerged as the largest individual donor to any theatre festival in the country taking 40% of the total budget
Previous holder was Bode Olanipekun SAN who took 100% of the expensive Sardauna which was held at the Hilton in Abuja where the Hall alone cost N10m
Both record holders emerged from Duke of Shomolu Productions cementing our position in the market
Gov Biodun Oyebanji is the Chief Host and is expected to be at the opening and closing ceremonies
Unity Bank of Nigeria is a major supporter with Premium Trust Bank and Wema Bank expected to flex muscle
First Bank Nigeria and Unified Payments being contracted annual sponsors of DOS are playing a major role
Two ex-Governors of Ekiti State – Fayemi and Adebayo are strong supporters
Elder statesman Prince Juluis Adelusi Adeluyi is another puller
Africa’s first Professor of Dance and Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts. Culture and Creative Economy is the festival director
Deified Prof Ahmed Yerima is showcasing his world-beater Sardauna at the Festival
Duke of Shomolu will join Jide Fajuyi and a team of tourists to tour the beautiful waterfalls and climb the hills surrounding Ado Ekiti
An estimated N1. 6b is expected to be thrown into this Ekiti local economy by the Festival
Over 500 thespians and another 2,000 youths would be engaged during the showing
BOI has just signed up as a major sponsor
Elder Statesman and Chairman GAC Prince Olusi was an inspiration
Ekiti Diaspora Agency is playing a critical role
Odua Investments led by Otunba Bimbo Ashiru is on course
Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps is the official Gin of the Festival
It has taken over one year to plan the Festival
Unlike others. This festival will give grants of ON750,00000 to all 1participatingng LGAs
Sen Bamidele and MD Unity Bank Ebenezer would be on hand to hand over yhe cheques
The Festival is welcoming Nigerbird Engineering, a first-time-ever theatre sponsor
The Oyebode Fa,mily including andeji, , Akin who is EkCommissioneroner of Fin, ance gave a good showing.
First time one family is taking about 5%the of the budget of a major theatre festival
… More coming
Duke of Shomolu