Lagos Launches Eko Arts and Crafts Competition to Harness Youth Creativity
The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at harnessing the creativity of 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, a platform for secondary and tertiary school students to showcase their artistic talents.
Describing the programme as “a golden opportunity” for young Lagosians, Ayinde-Marshal said the initiative reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda to position Lagos as Africa’s leading cultural and entertainment hub.
“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 is about discovery, empowerment, and cultural preservation,” she stated.
Beyond talent discovery, the competition will foster mentorship, exhibitions, and partnerships, while also encouraging entrepreneurship in the creative sector. It will spotlight both modern and traditional artistic expressions, promoting Lagos’s identity as a cultural powerhouse.
Ayinde-Marshal further stressed that art is not just aesthetic, but 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 added.
Registration will be open exclusively to students of Lagos secondary schools and tertiary institutions via https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com.
She expressed confidence that the competition would uncover hidden talents, inspire a new generation of creatives, and contribute significantly to Lagos State’s cultural and economic growth.
