Yomi Durojaye
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young creative talents and strengthening the State’s creative economy through sustained investment in arts education, skills development, mentorship, and talent discovery.
The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Bonu Solomon made the affirmation at the Grand Finale and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026.
Bonu described the competition as a strategic platform for young people to showcase talent and creativity. “Initiatives like this empower students and prepare them to become future leaders and contributors to Lagos State’s socio-economic development,” he said.
According to him, “The future of Lagos begins with you. This platform is designed to equip, inspire, and encourage students to harness their talents, develop their creative abilities, and contribute meaningfully to our State’s growth.”
He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for sustaining the initiative and for providing a consistent platform to discover and nurture emerging creative talents.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, who represented the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Shuaib Agoro, described the competition as an outstanding showcase of talent, creativity, and innovation. He said the initiative gives young people a platform to display artistic ability, gain recognition, and build confidence in their creative potential.
Mr. Agoro applauded the organisers for creating opportunities for self-expression through the arts, noting that such programmes complement the State Government’s drive to promote holistic education and talent development. He urged participants to remain focused on skill development and excellence, and wished them success in their future careers.
Giving a background into the competition, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismail said the competition, which is in its second edition, recorded 489 registered students while only 132 applicants submitted entries from schools across Lagos State’s five divisions and from tertiary institutions.
She noted that students competed in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Beadwork, Textile Design, Leatherwork, Digital Art, and Upcycling. After rigorous assessment by an independent panel of judges, outstanding entries were shortlisted and honoured at the finale.
She advised the students to develop a passion for the arts beyond the competition, saying that arts and crafts are lucrative and can position them for greater opportunities later in life.
Dignitaries present in attendance included Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries, Lagos State Education District IV, Mr. Olufemi Bamidele Paseda; Lagos State Education District II, Mr. Omotayo Layemo Sanni; Education Lagos State District I, Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Mrs. Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Tertiary Education, Mrs. Olubunmi Ibidapo-Obe and a renowned medical doctor, artist, and member of the judging panel, Mr. Fola David
Management and Members of staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, government officials, legislators, school administrators, principals, teachers, parents, development partners, media representatives, and students from various institutions across Lagos also attended.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of prizes, certificates, and recognition awards to outstanding participants whose works demonstrated creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. The event reinforced Lagos State’s commitment to grooming the next generation of creative talents.
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