The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young creative talents and promoting cultural excellence through arts, crafts, and innovation.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Adeoti Sobowale, on Thursday. Sobowale noted that the assurance came as nine outstanding students emerged winners at the grand finale of the maiden Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
Organised by the ministry through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, the competition was themed “My Lagos, My Arts.”
Held on Tuesday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the event featured 153 creative entries, with winners receiving one-year scholarship awards.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Taoreed Dosunmu, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, commended the creativity displayed by the students and appreciated the support 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,” Dosunmu said.
Ayinde-Marshal, who launched the competition in September, said it was designed to discover, nurture, and showcase the artistic potential of young Lagosians while creating opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and career growth 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 have the opportunity to express their thoughts, aspirations, and ideas while safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State,” she stated.
A lawmaker at the event also lauded the initiative, describing it as “a brilliant and forward-looking project that deserves continuity,” and pledged to advocate for its adequate funding and support at the House of Assembly.
