By Ogeyi Ebinyi
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development through creative education, as winners emerged at the grand finale of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition (second edition) held in Ikeja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the initiative serves as a strategic platform to discover and nurture young talents while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
She noted that the competition is not only about artistic excellence but also about creativity as a driver of innovation, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity.
According to her, this year’s edition recorded 489 registrations and 132 submitted entries across Lagos State, with students competing in categories such as painting, sculpture, textile design, beadwork, digital art, leatherwork and upcycling. “This year’s theme, This is Lagos, challenged participants to creatively interpret the identity, resilience and diversity of our state,” she said, adding that the works demonstrated the potential of young people to contribute meaningfully to both culture and the creative economy.
The Lagos State Government, she explained, remains committed to creating an enabling environment for young creatives to thrive, while commending teachers, parents, judges and development partners for their support. In indirect remarks, she emphasized that investing in young artists is an investment in the future economic sustainability of the state, particularly within the expanding creative sector.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solu Sumi, also noted that legislative backing for the programme has been strengthened, pledging increased budgetary support to expand participation and ensure more students benefit from creative skills that can lead to self-reliance.
Adding a creative industry perspective, medical doctor and visual artist, Dr. Fola David, encouraged students to embrace their talents, referencing his Guinness World Record artwork Unity in Diversity, which he said symbolizes the power of creativity in shaping social cohesion and development.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants, with stakeholders describing the competition as a growing pipeline for youth innovation, cultural expression, and sustainable economic empowerment in Lagos State.
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