Akure, the capital city of Ondo State was agog on Monday, 17th December, 2018, as the week long Ondo Art Festival takes off.
Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, rode on a cart from the Governor’s office through Nepa roundabout to the International Culture and Event Center (DOME).
Both the young and the old, women and men and people from far and near joined the train on a road show to dance round part of the state capital as part of the activities marking the opening ceremony of the ARTFEST.
The Governor was radiating with joy as he acknowledged cheers from residents of the town who drove past the heavy crowd embebed in the fun train.
At the NEPA neighborhood market, market women and other residents of the town, trooped out enmass to hail the Governor who rode humbly in a cart pulled by a white horse.
The Governor finally declared the 2018 ARTFEST opened on a colorful stage within the premise of the DOME.
Firework greeted the opening speech as the crowd and other residents of the state were treated to an awesome experience with the display of fireworks which lasted for over 10 minutes.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated the ministry of Arts and Culture for making the event possible. He also thanked the Oshodi Art Gallery for partnering with the state to organise such colorful event.
The Governor promised that the ARTFEST would be better next year with lots of funfair.
The ARTFEST is aimed at generating a financial forecast of over hundred million.
The programme will also create awareness and promotion of works of Arts, Culture and Tourism potentials of the State.
The one week 2018 ONDOFEST programme is proudly festival of arts, music, drama and cultural celebration in the state, our heritage and diversity, with active cultural troops participation from the 18 local government areas of the state.
The Festival will also feature: Agro Tourism, Mountain Racing, Food and Drinks Festival, Open Air Film Show, Fashion Show, Book and Literature, Choreography, Award Night, Face Painting, Tourist Site Seeing and Afro -Modern Fashion Carnival.
The opening event was shortly followed by an official Art exhibition at the DOME.

Bring it on!! colorful event even at the startups. Brilliant!!

Wow!!! I didnt know Ondo state can have a look alike of Calabar carnival. This is really beautiful