In a bid to strengthen the creative arts sector and provide a more conducive environment for growth, the Lagos State Government has announced that it spent over N8 billion on 143 festivals in the last year.
According to the state government, these investments have led to new local and foreign inflows into the tourism and entertainment industries, expanded value chains, and created more jobs for residents.
The State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, revealed these figures during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa. She emphasized that each initiative significantly contributed to cultural preservation, economic stimulation, job creation, tourism inflow, and global media visibility, further cementing Lagos’ image as Nigeria’s creative capital.
“Lagos is now recognized as one of Africa’s most vibrant cultural and tourism destinations,” she said.
The Commissioner also disclosed that Endorsement Letters were presented to 124 creative stakeholders to support sponsorship efforts for various cultural and artistic initiatives.
In addition, she noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, is working on the regulation and registration of beach operators across the state. This initiative aims to enhance safety, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure improved service deliveryalong Lagos’ waterfronts.
As part of the government’s youth empowerment drive, over 10,000 Lagos youths have been trained in various industry-related disciplines, including filmmaking, production management, cinematography, and digital media. These efforts are geared towards reducing youth restiveness and curbing social vices in the metropolis.
Benson-Awoyinka also announced the call for entries for the upcoming African Music Next Talent Hunt. She added that, in the past year, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan and Freedom Park collectively received over 50,000 visitors during major festival celebrations.
