BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has launched a new initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing creative talents among students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state.
Unveiling the maiden edition of the ‘Eko Arts and Crafts Competition’, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, made the announcement at a press conference held on Thursday at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Marshal, the competition is a strategic intervention under the ‘Entertainment and Tourism’ pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, aimed at empowering youth, promoting cultural preservation, and reinforcing Lagos State’s position as Africa’s creative and cultural hub.
“This competition has been carefully designed to discover, nurture, and project the immense creative talent in our secondary schools and tertiary institutions,” she said. “We want to encourage the next generation of artists, sculptors, and innovators whose skills can be transformed into productive and sustainable careers.”
The registration portal—https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com—opened on Wednesday, September 11, and will close on September 18. Students from both secondary schools and higher institutions in Lagos State are invited to register and submit their entries via the portal.
The competition will formally hold from September 18 to October 2, culminating in the presentation of awards and scholarships to outstanding participants.
Marshal emphasized that the initiative goes beyond artistic expression; it is a cultural preservation effort and an economic empowerment tool.
“Art is not just about aesthetics—it is storytelling, heritage preservation, and a mirror of society,” she said. “By promoting arts and crafts, we are not only encouraging creativity but also safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State.”
The Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, she added, “aims to foster creativity among youth, encourage entrepreneurship within the creative sector, promote cultural heritage through modern and traditional art forms, and equip participants with marketable skills for sustainable economic development.”
Participants will also benefit from mentorship opportunities, exhibitions, and potential partnerships within the creative industry.
Marshal urged school administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians to support and encourage their students to participate in the competition, stressing that the initiative promises not just recognition, but life-changing prospects.
She also expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support of youth-focused programs, especially in the areas of tourism, arts, and culture.
“His Excellency’s vision continues to drive our collective effort to position Lagos as the creative heartbeat of Nigeria and the African continent,” she said.
