The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to nurturing young creative talents and promoting cultural excellence through arts, crafts, and innovation as part of efforts to strengthen the foundation of the State’s creative industry.

This assurance came as nine outstanding students emerged winners at the Grand Finale of the maiden edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State. The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., was held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme “My Lagos, My Arts.”

The competition, which attracted 153 entries from secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the State, saw the winners rewarded with one-year scholarship awards. In the Junior Secondary School category, the winners were Israel Adedoyin of Government Junior Model College, Owutu, Ikorodu; Kolawole Jubril of Ikorodu Junior Grammar School; and Desmond Awatefe of Tobvic College, Badagry. The Senior Secondary School category produced Alexis Aghenta of Square College, Lekki; Usa Pascal of Birel Avenue Senior High School, Yaba; and Maryam Owolewa of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu. From the Tertiary Institutions, the winners were Goodness Popoola and Paul Alaba, both from the Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin, and Azeez Aderibigbe from the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, praised the creativity displayed by the participants and expressed appreciation to the teachers, parents, and judges whose dedication contributed to the success of the event.

He lauded the students for their inspiring artistic expressions and extended gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for arts and culture in Lagos State.

He further remarked that the works showcased not only demonstrated the artistic promise of the participants but also reflected a bright and promising future for the State’s creative sector.

While congratulating the winners for their outstanding achievements, the Permanent Secretary encouraged all participants to continue striving for excellence and to make meaningful contributions to the creative world and beyond.

In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, expressed delight at the success of the maiden edition, explaining that the initiative was designed to discover, empower, and celebrate young creative talents across the State.

She stated that the competition aimed to create a platform where young people can express their creativity, tell the Lagos story through art, and contribute to the growth of the State’s creative economy.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly the pillar on Entertainment and Tourism, which highlights the transformative role of creativity in socio-economic development. She added that the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition would henceforth be held annually as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talents in painting, drawing, sculpture, and crafts, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world creative enterprise.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu, commended the initiative, describing it as a visionary step toward cultivating the next generation of creative Lagosians.

He noted that the competition reflects the innovation and vibrancy that define Lagos youth, adding that the project deserves continuity. He also pledged to personally advocate for its sustained funding and institutional support at the House of Assembly.