August 13, 2025 – Corps members serving in the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture will soon benefit from specialised creative industry training at the renowned EbonyLife Academy. The initiative is part of the Lagos State Government’s drive to empower young people and strengthen the creative economy.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during a meeting with corps members from the Ministry and its agencies, including the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LASCAC) and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB), on Tuesday.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, the training will cover photography, cinematography, scriptwriting, and music production.
She explained that the corps members will be divided into three batches for rotational postings and formal training at the academy, giving them the opportunity to select fields that align with their career aspirations.
“Over 15,000 individuals have already been trained free of charge in various aspects of the creative industry through partnerships between the Lagos State Government and private sector trainers, including the EbonyLife Academy,” she said. “This is a golden opportunity for corps members to gain industry-relevant skills that will shape their future.”
The Commissioner encouraged the corps members to act as brand ambassadors for the Ministry by promoting the State Government’s youth-focused initiatives among their peers.
She also urged them to participate actively in the Ministry’s programmes and events, describing the one-year national service as a platform for both personal and professional growth.
Highlighting the Ministry’s upcoming engagements, Benson-Awoyinka mentioned activities connected to the movie industry and preparations for the international E-1 Boat Racing event scheduled for October.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, advised corps members to embrace discipline and take advantage of networking opportunities throughout their service year.
Sharing her personal experience, Miss Sule Peculiar Oboghena, a corps member serving with LASCAC, noted that working with the Council’s troupe had enhanced her skills as a theatre graduate. “My service year here has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me valuable hands-on experience,” she said.
Other corps members also shared their experiences, emphasising the tourism potential in Lagos State, which they believe remains largely untapped. They highlighted the state’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness, stressing that more young people should explore the opportunities available in its tourism and creative sectors.