Ekiti State on Monday welcomed home one of its illustrious daughters, Mrs. Adebimpe Adedimeji, a proud native of Ijero Ekiti, alongside her husband, renowned Nollywood actor and producer, Lateef Adedimeji.
The couple visited Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at promoting Ekiti’s rich history, vibrant culture, and creative potential.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare, alongside other top government officials.
Lateef Adedimeji, who recently produced and starred in the blockbuster movie Lisabi, currently trending across the country, is also widely celebrated for his stellar role in Femi Adebayo’s Jagunjagun, a movie that has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and epic themes.
The actor expressed his enthusiasm for telling more culturally-rooted stories and highlighted the immense potential in Ekiti’s untapped historical narratives.
Governor Oyebanji, during the meeting, emphasized the importance of arts and culture as vehicles for preserving history and driving economic development. He noted that Ekiti’s legacy of warlords, historical icons, and rich traditions provides a wealth of stories that could position the state as a hub for epic filmmaking and cultural tourism.
Mrs. Adebimpe Adedimeji, visibly proud of her Ekiti heritage, shared her joy in returning home to contribute to the growth of the creative sector. She described Ekiti as a treasure trove of history and culture, ripe for cinematic exploration.
Her husband, Lateef, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Nollywood’s growing influence can be harnessed to spotlight Ekiti’s unique narratives on a global stage.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare, hailed the meeting as a strategic move to place Ekiti at the forefront of Nigeria’s creative economy.
According to him, collaborations with celebrated actors like the Adedimejis would result in projects that celebrate Ekiti’s warlords, legends, and culture, while also creating job opportunities for young creatives in the state.
The visit signals a promising future for Ekiti State as it seeks to elevate its profile in arts and culture through storytelling that resonates with its rich heritage and vibrant history.
