In a bid to strengthen Lagos State’s creative economy and preserve its rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has entered into a strategic partnership with the European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF).
The collaboration, formalised on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a virtual meeting between the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and EUDiF officials based in Germany — Ms. Lisa Bezvershenko and Ms. Charlotte Griffiths — is set to enhance training opportunities in heritage preservation and cultural development.
The initiative is expected to build both local and international capacity, while fostering sustainable, community-driven cultural practices. A multi-stage training programme targeting 50 creative practitioners across the state will kick off in the third week of August 2025, with activities taking place at the divisional level.
Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka described the partnership as a vital part of the state’s heritage and cultural sustainability strategy. Emphasising the role of culture in identity, she remarked, “If one loses their language, they have lost their identity in life.”
She also spoke on the ongoing revitalisation of museums in Lagos, particularly the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which she described as a cornerstone for cultural tourism development.
“A museum is not a profit-making venture but a legacy for future generations. Our goal is to ensure heritage sustainability while encouraging both local and international tourists to return for our festivals,” she said.
In her remarks, EUDiF representative Ms. Griffiths said the training would help improve heritage performances at festivals across the state and serve as a model for cultural sector development in West Africa.
“This is not just about delivering knowledge but about collaborating with local partners to design a programme that strengthens existing structures, addresses real needs on the ground, and ensures long-term sustainability,” she explained.
