By Johnson Folarin
Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism has held the first edition of her new Sunday-Sunday Variety Show tagged “Talents on the Loose”
While unveiling the programme to the first set of audience at the maiden edition, Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, explained that the programme was designed as a creative means to diversify the leisure and recreation activities of Ekiti people from the old epicurean habits to a healthier one which enables them to burn out stress.
Bakare emphasized the need to liven up the State for the people through entertainment programmes. He explained that the idea of bi-monthly variety shows is to replicate the Calabar Sunday-Sunday Show which remains sustained since it started in 1990.
While appreciating the possibility of the programme taking time to get well rooted as having come to stay, the foremost Professor of Dance, expressed no doubt that Ekiti people would appreciate it as a family-friendly programme which must not be missed.
The first edition, despite the relatively low level of publicity and marketing, witnessed a fairly large number of attendees among whom were students, corp members, bankers, public servants and a whole lot of others.
Speaking with ekitourism correspondent, former Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Ekiti State, Chief Mrs Ronke Okusanya, who drove herself to venue to be among the first set of audience, commended the initiative to start such a family-friendly entertainment programme. She said it was the first time such activity would take place hence the need to encourage its sustainability.
Announcing a prize of 2 free tickets for the first three families that witnessed the first edition, Professor Bakare promised that the show would be coming every second and last Sunday of the month.
Members of Ekiti State Performing Arts Company entertained the audience with an assortment of creative packages in dance, drama, hip-hop and choral music as well as other performative genres. The award-winning television comedian in Ekiti State, Mr Olusola Oladele popularly known. as Pa Aristo anchored the programme.
Promising more interesting editions Professor Bakare affirmed that a few technical challenges, which made the show start a few minutes later than the 4pm scheduled time, have been identified and addressed. He promised that notable nollywood actors would be co-hosting the events starting from the next edition.
While giving votes of thanks on behalf of the Ministry, Director of Tourism in the Ministry, Mr. Banji Adelusi, urged Ekiti people to embrace healthy recreation activities. Describing the programme as giving adequate value for money, He enjoined members of the public to mobilize their friends and families to be part of the next edition which promises to be more interesting.
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