Lagos introduces arts competition to nurture student creativity

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

The Lagos State Government is set to launch a new initiative tagged Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing talents in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, disclosed this during a press conference on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.

She announced that the registration portal, www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com, opens today, September 11, and will run until September 18. The competition itself will take place between September 18 and October 2, with winners receiving scholarship awards approved by the Governor.

Marshal explained that the initiative aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the state government, under the pillar of Entertainment and Tourism, which seeks to harness creativity, empower young people, and position Lagos as Africa’s cultural and entertainment hub.

She emphasized that the competition was designed to discover and refine young talents, noting that within classrooms are budding artists, sculptors, and creative thinkers whose gifts should be celebrated and projected to the world.

According to her, art goes beyond aesthetics, serving as storytelling, heritage preservation, and a mirror of society. She added that promoting arts and crafts will foster creativity, encourage entrepreneurship, preserve cultural heritage, and support sustainable economic growth in Lagos State.

Marshal urged school administrators, parents, and guardians to encourage their wards to participate, stressing that winners will not only gain recognition but also access to mentorship, exhibitions, and partnerships that could shape their careers in the creative industry.

She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to youth empowerment, tourism development, and the promotion of arts and crafts, describing his vision as central to positioning Lagos as the creative heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa.