Yomi Durojaye
Students from Lagos State Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions across all Education Districts and Lagos yesterday dazzelled and amazed participants at the Grand Finale of 2nd Edition of Eko Schools Art & Craft Competition 2.0, themed: "This Is Lagos".
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| Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, Winner From Tertiary Institution and Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Hon. Solomon Bonu |
The event which held yesterday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
It was learnt that the competition provides a platform for young artists and creatives to showcase their talents through various artistic expressions.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila said that she was delighted with the overwhelming response of students at this year’s competition.
"A total of 489 participants registered, while 132 registered participants submitted entries for competition from schools across the five divisions of Lagos State, as well as some tertiary institutions. The competition featured diverse categories, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Beadwork, Textile Design, Leatherwork, Digital Art, and Upcycling".
"Every artwork tells a unique story of imagination, dedication, hard work, and passion. To every student who picked up a brush, moulded clay, designed a textile, created digital art, or transformed waste into beauty, I congratulate you. You are all winners. (Please let us applaud the all)
"This year’s theme: “THIS IS LAGOS” challenged participants to creatively interpret the identity, heritage, resilience, innovation, and diversity of our great State. The artworks on display today beautifully capture the essence of Lagos, its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to sustainability.
"These outstanding creations demonstrate that our young minds not only appreciate our cultural values, but also possess the creativity and vision needed to shape a brighter future.
Mrs. Bopo thanked The Lagos State Government administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continue to support for arts education, skills development, mentorship programmes, and platforms that encourage youth creativity and expression. She also acknowledged the beautiful idea of the former SSA to the Governor, Hon. Damilola Ayinde Marsha for the birth of such initiative. "We remain committed to partnering with educational institutions, industry professionals, and the private sector to ensure that young talents are given every opportunity to succeed".
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State House of Assembly Chairman on Tourism, Art and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonus, said the competition was a very big opportunity for students in Lagos to showcase their God's given talents.
Hon. Bonu while appreciating the quality of Art of student, He said that "what you create is not small, it's not just a mere fit. It is something to be proud of. And this is your creation that brought all this about. Like one of the speakers said earlier, we will not be here without the students, so I want you all to clap for yourselves.
"You have done very, very well. If I become a child again, I want to be in your position, because when I grew up, I was not given this kind of opportunity. It's a very huge opportunity, and I looked at what every single person here created, and I want to say that you are all amazing artists. You are geniuses, and creating such at your age, it means that there's so much more to look for, especially with Lagos State, because having that level of creativity and also having an avenue to showcase it is something to be very proud of".
To the winners that were chosen here today, and to everyone that submitted their crewtives, "I want to say, congratulations to you. Because there's something I say as an artist, if you do not showcase your work, then you've not started. You can be a great artist and create and put it in your, your bedroom, or put it in your cupboard, and you're the only one that will know what you're doing and be keeping it there. You can't even access yourself".
At the end, Nine student ermerged as winners at this year competition and were granted Government Scholarship with other state recognition.
See below the list of winners at the 2026 Eko Schools Art & Craft Competition 2.0
TERTIARY
1. Goodness Popoola 400Level Lagos State University of Education
2. Abdul Rahman Saheed 300Level Lagos State University of Science & Technology
3. Boton Aina Samuel 400Level Lagos State University of Education
SENIOR SECONDARY
1. Ajayi Pascal Maugbe SS 2 Methodist Senior High School
2. Makinde Opeyemi Abraham SS 2 Millenium Senior Secondary School
3. Akinola Oluwatobi SS 2 Sanngo Senior Secondary School
JUNIOR SECONDARY
1. Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi JSS 2 Clegg Girls Junior High School
2. Orungbamila Oluwalonimi Esther JSS 1 Ikotun Junior High School
3. Saheed Khadijat Remilekun JSS 3 Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo
