Lagos empowers 1,000 creatives to boost economic growth

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has said it empowered more than 1,000 creatives through the Skill Up Lagos Initiative as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s creative economy and support sustainable livelihoods for emerging artists.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, disclosed this while speaking with journalists during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Lagos. He said the initiative was implemented through the Lagos Cultural Mission over the past 24 months.

Aregbe explained that the programme was designed to provide a structured platform for upcoming artists, designers, performers and cultural entrepreneurs to acquire relevant skills, gain exposure and build sustainable careers from their talents.

He added that the “Cook Lagos, Eat Lagos” initiative, conceived by his office, had helped redefine how Lagos is experienced globally through its food culture. According to him, the programme has also created economic opportunities for chefs, food vendors, agro-entrepreneurs and hospitality businesses.

The special adviser said the Lagos Cultural Mission serves as the framework through which the government drives cultural diplomacy, arts development and creative economy programmes. He noted that the mission covers international partnerships, cultural celebrations, art tours and diplomatic engagements aimed at positioning Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital.

Aregbe further stated that the ancient Kayo-Kayo Festival in Epe returned in July 2025 with over 1,000 participants celebrating the community’s heritage, religious identity and communal unity. He also said the “Beauty in Motherland” initiative attracted more than 500 vendors and beauty professionals, helping to project Africa’s beauty industry on the global stage.

According to him, the state government also supported the three-day beauty festival and Guinness World Record attempt by beauty entrepreneur Natacha Akide, who completed 82 makeovers in eight hours and 143 makeovers in 24 hours. He added that the government backed the Adekunle Gold Fuji album launch, describing it as a cultural event that blended Afrobeats with the traditional roots of Fuji music.

Aregbe said the ministry, through his office, also celebrated 19 women in March 2026 for their contributions to the arts and culture sector in Lagos. He stressed that the administration remained committed to building public-private partnerships that use culture and creativity to drive economic growth and create opportunities for traders, entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state.