The Lagos State Government says it has empowered more than 1,000 creatives through the Skill Up Lagos Initiative, a programme designed to strengthen the state’s creative economy and support young talents building careers in arts, entertainment and cultural enterprise.
The disclosure was made by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Aregbe, the initiative is being implemented under the Lagos Cultural Mission and is focused on helping emerging artists, performers, designers and creative entrepreneurs gain practical skills, industry exposure and long-term economic opportunities.
He described the programme as part of the state government’s broader strategy to position Lagos as a leading creative and cultural hub in Africa while creating sustainable livelihoods for young people in the sector.
“This is governance with a human face, investing directly in the people who give Lagos its soul,” Aregbe said.
He explained that the Lagos Cultural Mission serves as a framework for cultural diplomacy, arts development and creative economy programmes across the state. According to him, the platform is helping to connect culture with commerce by supporting initiatives that create jobs, attract tourism and promote local talent.
Aregbe noted that the Skill Up Lagos Initiative was created to give upcoming creatives structured opportunities to grow professionally and compete in the industry.
The Special Adviser also highlighted other projects being driven by the ministry to support the cultural and creative ecosystem in Lagos.
He said the “Cook Lagos, Eat Lagos” initiative has continued to promote Lagos cuisine while creating economic opportunities for food vendors, chefs, agro-entrepreneurs and hospitality businesses.
According to him, the programme operates through the pillars of Cook Lagos, Eat Lagos and Grow Lagos, combining culinary education, food tourism and agricultural enterprise.
Aregbe further referenced the revival of the Kayo-Kayo Festival in Epe in July 2025, which attracted more than 1,000 participants celebrating the community’s cultural heritage.
He said the government also partnered tourism influencers and travel enthusiasts to showcase Oja Chief, the historic fish market linked to the festival, while supporting local women traders through free fish deliveries to customers.
Speaking on the beauty and entertainment sectors, Aregbe said the Beauty in Motherland programme attracted over 500 vendors and beauty professionals for business networking and industry collaborations.
He added that the Lagos State Government also supported beauty entrepreneur Natacha Akide during her Guinness World Record attempt and backed Adekunle Gold’s Fuji album project, which he described as a blend of contemporary Afrobeats and traditional Fuji music.
According to Aregbe, the government remains committed to using culture and commerce as tools for economic growth through partnerships that empower creatives, entrepreneurs and small businesses across Lagos State.
