The Lagos State Government has officially launched the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, a brand-new platform created to discover, nurture, and showcase young creative talents across the state’s secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday at a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Alausa, Ikeja, by Damilola Ayinde Marshal, Esq., Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Speaking at the event, Marshal explained that the competition is directly tied to the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, reflecting Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision to position Lagos as Africa’s cultural and creative hub.

Registration officially opened on September 11 and will run until September 18 via www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com. The competition itself is scheduled to take place between September 18 and October 2.

Winners will receive scholarship awards approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu, along with mentorship opportunities, exhibitions, and partnerships within the creative industry.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Marshal said:

“Art is more than aesthetics. It is storytelling. It is heritage preservation. It is a mirror of society. Through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and crafts, our young people have the opportunity to express their thoughts, aspirations, and ideas while also preserving our cultural identity for future generations.”

She noted that beyond recognition, the initiative aims to encourage entrepreneurship, develop practical skills, and boost innovation in the creative sector, ultimately supporting Lagos’ long-term cultural and economic growth.

Parents, teachers, and guardians were urged to encourage students to participate, with Marshal describing the program as a “golden opportunity” to transform hidden talent into a lifelong career.

She also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to youth empowerment and tourism development, while appealing to the media for support in promoting the initiative.

With this competition, Lagos is setting the stage to cement its status as the creative heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa.