Lagos Launches 2nd Edition of Eko Schools Art&Crafts Competition, Tagged: "This Is Lagos" For Lagos Schools ... Registration Starts Monday 4th - Monday 25th May, 2026

Yomi Durojaye 

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has officially launched the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2026, themed: “THIS IS LAGOS!”, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment and the growth of the creative economy.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, speaking at a press conference held on Monday, 4th May 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, noted that the competition serves as a strategic platform to discover, nurture, and showcase the immense creative potential of young people in Lagos. 

Middle: PS, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebopo Ismaila-Oyekan  addressing Pressmen at the Event

She emphasised that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly the Entertainment and Tourism pillar.

Reflecting on the maiden edition, she revealed that the competition received 153 entries from students across secondary and tertiary institutions in Lagos State. Nine outstanding winners emerged across three categories, earning scholarships and gaining visibility that continues to amplify their talents.

“That success affirmed one truth: Lagos is brimming with creative brilliance. Our young people are ready to lead the creative economy when given the right opportunities,” she stated.

Announcing the commencement of the 2026 edition of the competition, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that the Ministry is scaling up the competition with Structured mentorship from industry professionals, Broader industry engagement, internship opportunities and exposure and increased visibility for participants across digital and physical platforms.

She further noted that the competition bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world creative enterprise, equipping young participants with relevant skills for today’s global economy while preserving and promoting Lagos’ rich cultural heritage.

Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila called on school administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians to encourage active participation, stressing that they are nurturing the next generation of artists, innovators, and cultural ambassadors. She also commended media partners for their continued support in amplifying the initiative.

Addressing prospective participants, she declared:“This is your platform. This is your moment. Let your creativity speak. Let your art tell the story of Lagos and open doors to limitless possibilities.”

She announced that the registration portal for the competition is now open at www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com and will run from Monday, May 4 to Monday, May 25, 2026.

Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to the creative sector, the Permanent Secretary stated:

“When creativity thrives, innovation flourishes. When innovation flourishes, economies grow. And when economies grow, the people are healthier and happier.”

She expressed optimism that this year’s edition will be bigger, more inclusive, and more impactful, producing creative talents who will proudly represent Lagos on the global stage.

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Health: Lagos Launches M.I.CH Plus Toll-Free Numbers | AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Civic Engagement, has launched toll-free numbers: 0800-6424-758 and 0901-5520-00 for 1,140 indigent pregnant women participating in the ongoing Mother, Infant and Child (M.I.C.H) pilot research programme.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale revealed the numbers at a sensitisation programme on the second phase of the M.I.C.H pilot phase for the beneficiaries at Agege Local Government and Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area.

She explained that the toll-free lines are essential to ensure that the programme is impactful, as the lines would help the participating pregnant women receive qualitative healthcare and follow-up through phone calls and home visits by a dedicated team of the Public and State-approved Private Community Health Workers and Medical Consultants.

“The research phase of the M.I.C.H programme was designed to assess the impact of the programme nutritious food and supplements on pregnant women with full monitoring of their existing conditions, along with the diverse medical and social indices, starting from December 1, 2020, until the next six months, throughout pregnancy till delivery and post-partum”, she noted.

Princess Adebowale stated that each of the beneficiaries would be added to a social media chat group created in each Local Government Area for direct feedback as part of the monitoring and evaluation process of the Office of Civic Engagement.

According to her “The participants in the control group would be given M.I.C.H plus food packs and supplements weekly for a period of three months before delivery, starting from the commencement date of the research project”.

While urging every participant to attend the clinic regularly and cooperate with the government’s team of medical experts, research and care volunteers at every stage of the process, the Special Adviser expressed gratitude to the Medical Team of Agege Local Government and Orile Agege LCDA for their cooperation.

The research programme, which started on December 1, 2020, for 1,140 indigent pregnant women, had the second batch of participating pregnant women sign the attestation forms to confirm their participation in the three-month research exercise.

The 20 expectant mothers in the control groups drawn from Sango Primary Health Centre, Agege Local Government and Odumbaku Primary Health Centre, Orile-Agege LCDA are the second set of participating expectant mothers to sign relevant documents for the research study.