Lagos State has unveiled the maiden edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for secondary schools and tertiary institutions, aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing the creative talents of young people across the state.
The initiative was announced at a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, Esq., on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Marshal said the competition is part of the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, creativity, and positioning Lagos as Africa’s cultural hub.
“This competition has been carefully designed to discover, nurture, and showcase the immense talent that exists in our schools. 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,” he said.
He explained that arts and crafts go beyond aesthetics, serving as tools for storytelling, heritage preservation, and societal reflection. By providing a platform for students to express themselves through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and crafts, the initiative seeks to safeguard Lagos’ cultural identity while encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
According to him, the competition will:
- Foster creativity among young people.
- Promote entrepreneurship in the creative sector.
- Preserve and showcase Lagos cultural heritage.
- Develop skills that support economic growth and innovation.
Marshal also announced the official launch of the competition’s registration portal — https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com — where eligible students can sign up and submit their entries. He emphasized that participation is strictly limited to students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
Winners of the competition, he added, will enjoy mentorship opportunities, exhibitions, and possible partnerships to help them thrive in the creative industry.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support of youth-focused initiatives, as well as to the media for their role in promoting the programme.
“Together, we can inspire more young people to embrace creativity and contribute meaningfully to the cultural and economic development of Lagos State,” Marshal said.
