The Lagos State Government has officially launched the first edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, targeting secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the State. The initiative aims to promote creativity, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.
At a press conference on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Alausa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., explained that the competition is a strategic initiative under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, specifically under the Entertainment and Tourism pillar.
Ayinde-Marshal emphasized that the competition is designed to discover, nurture, and showcase artistic talents among young people in Lagos, while creating opportunities for innovation and career development in the creative sector.
"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 Senior Special Assistant highlighted that the initiative will foster creativity, encourage entrepreneurship, promote cultural heritage, and equip students with skills that support sustainable economic growth. She also announced the official launch of the competition’s registration portal at https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com, stating that participation is open exclusively to students in Lagos secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Ayinde-Marshal urged school administrators, parents, teachers, and guardians to encourage students to participate, while calling on the media to provide wide publicity. Winners of the competition will gain access to mentorship, exhibitions, and potential partnerships within the creative industry.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, described the initiative as a timely and strategic effort to harness the creative potential of Lagos youths.
Mr. Bajulaiye noted that the competition aligns with the Ministry’s vision of positioning Lagos as the cultural and creative hub of Africa. He added that the initiative goes beyond entertainment, preparing students for future opportunities in the global creative economy.
“This initiative is not just about celebrating talent. It is about building a strong pipeline of creative thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of our State and nation. By encouraging young people to channel their creativity into productive ventures, we are laying a foundation for sustainable development,” Bajulaiye said.
He further assured that the Ministry will continue providing platforms to showcase Lagosians’ ingenuity, while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the arts and creative industries, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting cultural heritage, creativity, and economic growth.
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