Lagos State Government promotes arts and nurtures young creative talent through the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, awarding scholarships to winners
Lagos State Government promotes arts and cultural excellence, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young creative talents through initiatives that inspire innovation and preserve heritage.
The government restated this commitment in a statement by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture spokesperson, Adeoti Sobowale, following the conclusion of the maiden Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for secondary and tertiary students in the state.
The competition, themed “My Lagos, My Arts,” celebrated creativity and cultural expression among Lagos youths, culminating in nine outstanding students winning one-year scholarship awards.
Organised by the ministry through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, the event attracted 153 entries and was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Solomon Bonu, praised the initiative, calling it “a visionary step towards cultivating the next generation of creative Lagosians.”
“This is a brilliant and forward-looking project that deserves continuity,” he said. “I will personally advocate at the House of Assembly to ensure it receives adequate funding and support.”
Representing the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Taoreed Dosunmu, commended the students’ creativity and lauded the dedication of teachers, parents, and judges.
“To our students, your artistry is inspiring. To our teachers, parents, and mentors, thank you for believing in these young minds. And to Mr Governor, we express deep gratitude for his unwavering support for arts and culture in Lagos State,” he said.
At the competition’s launch in September, Ayinde-Marshal explained that the project sought to discover, nurture, and showcase the artistic potential of young Lagosians while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the creative industry.
“Art is more than just aesthetics. It is storytelling, heritage preservation, and a mirror of society. Through this competition, our young people will have the opportunity to express their thoughts, aspirations, and ideas while safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State,” she said.
The initiative marks a powerful statement of intent by the Lagos State Government, reinforcing its role as a driving force in building a thriving creative economy for the future.
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