Yomi Durojaye
... Our goal's to identify young gifted individuals' artistic expressions - SSA Damilola Ayinde Mashal, Esq
The Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq. has reiterated the Lagos State Government commitment in the preservation of the rich Lagos and African Culture and Heritage.
This was stated yesterday at the Grand Finale of 2025 EKO School Arts & Crafts Competition at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja, themed: "My Lagos, My Art".
The event was an initiative of SSA, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., It was an Arts & Crafts Competition for secondary and tertiary institutions in Lagos State, where various schools’ representatives across the Education Districts in the State were present.
At the Maiden edition, nine students emerged as winners and they received scholarship awards to further develop their artistic journey in life.
Israel Adedoyin, Government Junior Grammar School with creative work, "Lagos in motion" Oluwatobi Kolawole, Ikorodu Junior Grammar School, "Tie and Dye" and Desmond Awatefe, Tobvic College, "Waste to Wealth", were winners in Junior Category.
Alexis Agheta, Square College, Lekki (Eyo l’Oba); Maryam Owolewa, Oriwu Senior Model School (Learning through visuals) and Usa Pascal, Birrel Avenue Senior High School, Yaba (Makoko community in Lagos) emerged winners for Secondary School Category. While Goodness Popoola, Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, with ‘Feminine figure depicting beauty); Azeez Aderibigbe, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH (Two lovers depicting harmony) and Samuel Aina, Lagos State University of Education, LASUED have artwork (Aje: Wealth). Claimed the Tertiary category.
In an opening remarks, Damilola Ayinde explained that the purpose of the competition was to shape the future of the creative economy and inspire others to embrace creative talents.
She said, “Today marks a milestone in our journey to celebrate, empower and showcase the next generation of Lagos creative champions. This initiative is not just a competition. It’s a movement of discovery, innovation and cultural preservation.
“When we flagged off this meeting a few weeks ago, our goal was clear. To identify young gifted individuals whose artistic expressions could tell the story of Lagos, shape the future of our creative economy and inspire others to embrace their talents.
“I am proud to say that the overwhelming response we received, 153 entries from students across secondary schools and tertiary institutions, has surpassed our expectations.
“Each entry represented not only creativity, but also courage, imagination, and the vibrant spirit of the Lagos youth.
“The Governor’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of arts and creativity continues to guide us all, continues to guide all the plans, programmes and policies of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.”
She added the Eko-Schools Arts and Crafts Competition was conceived as an annual platform to discover and nurture young talents in painting, drawing, sculpture and art.
“Beyond competition, it serves as an incubator for skill development and a bridge between classroom learning and real-world creative enterprise.”
Speaking at the event, The Chairman of the Lagos House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Saanu Bonu representing Badagry Constituency 1 commended the SSA for her passion, innovation in promoting Art and Culture in Lagos starting from secondary school level.
He vowed that initiative was a well thoguth of and next edition would have a support of Lagos House of Assembly to futher porject the rich Lagos Art and Culture.
On the part of the judges, Dr. Fola David, praised the participants for their ingenuity and professionalism.
“We considered not only the materials used: paper, wood, and renewable materials but also the stories behind each artwork. The creativity and innovation displayed were truly impressive. Presentation and packaging were also key factors in determining the winners,”he said.
At the end, presentation of scholarship cheques were presented to the winners.
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