LAGOS TARGETS YOUTH TALENT WITH NEW ARTS, CRAFTS COMPETITION

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at harnessing the creativity of its young people to celebrate heritage and shape the future of its cultural identity.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., announced the launch of the Maiden Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, designed to provide secondary and tertiary school students with a platform to showcase their artistic gifts.

Describing the competition as “a golden opportunity” for young Lagosians to transform their passion into productive careers, Marshal noted: “Within our classrooms are young artists, sculptors, and creative thinkers whose gifts must not only be encouraged but also refined, celebrated, and projected to the world. This competition reflects the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, to position Lagos as the cultural and entertainment hub of Africa.”

She explained that beyond talent discovery, the initiative will serve as a springboard for mentorship, exhibitions, and potential partnerships, while also fostering entrepreneurship in the creative sector and promoting Lagos’s cultural identity through both modern and traditional artistic expressions.

Ayinde-Marshal emphasised that art goes beyond aesthetics, stressing its role as a tool for storytelling and heritage preservation. “By promoting arts and crafts, we are not only encouraging creativity but also safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State,” she said.

According to her, registration for the competition will open exclusively to students of Lagos Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions via https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com.

She expressed confidence that the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition will uncover hidden talents, inspire a new generation of creatives, and contribute significantly to the cultural and economic development of Lagos State.