The Lagos State Government has introduced a new initiative aimed at using the creativity of young people to celebrate heritage and shape the state’s cultural identity.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., announced the launch of the Maiden Eko Arts and Crafts Competition.
The event is designed to give secondary and tertiary school students a platform to showcase their artistic gifts and explore opportunities in the creative industry.
Describing the competition as “a golden opportunity” for young Lagosians, Ayinde-Marshal said it would help transform their passion into productive careers.
She noted, “Within our classrooms are young artists, sculptors, and creative thinkers whose gifts must not only be encouraged but also refined, celebrated, and projected to the world. This competition reflects the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, to position Lagos as the cultural and entertainment hub of Africa.”
She explained that the initiative goes beyond talent discovery, adding that it would provide mentorship, exhibitions, and potential partnerships for students. The competition also aims to foster entrepreneurship within the creative sector while promoting Lagos’s cultural identity through both modern and traditional art forms.
Ayinde-Marshal highlighted the importance of arts and crafts as a tool for storytelling and heritage preservation. “By promoting arts and crafts, we are not only encouraging creativity but also safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State,” she said.
According to her, registration for the competition will open exclusively to students of Lagos secondary schools and tertiary institutions through the official portal at https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com.
She expressed confidence that the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition will uncover hidden talents, inspire a new generation of creatives, and make a strong contribution to the cultural and economic development of Lagos State.