The Lagos State Government, via the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has invested a total of N8,475,238,265.00 in numerous cultural events and festivals over the course of a single year. The objective behind this expenditure was to enhance the discovery of local talent, create employment opportunities, and stimulate vibrant ecosystems.
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, announced this on Wednesday during her speech at the 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Conference. The event took place at Alausa, Ikeja, marking the governor’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s second year into his second term.
Benson-Awoyinka stated that her ministry, via the Creative Arts Department, has supported more than 143 festivals, events, and programs since May 2024, using the allocated funds. She also mentioned that the ministry has provided endorsement letters to around 124 creative professionals to assist them in obtaining sponsorships for their respective projects.
As she stated, this substantial investment underscores the ministry’s steadfast dedication to establishing Lagos as the premier center for arts, culture, and entertainment across Africa. She mentioned that these funded projects encompass community festivals, cultural displays, entertainment gatherings, fashion weeks, art exhibits, sector interactions, youth development programs, and international tourism conferences.
She mentioned that every project played a crucial role in safeguarding culture, boosting the economy, generating employment opportunities, attracting tourists, and increasing international media coverage. This simultaneously strengthened Lagos’s image as a thriving center for creativity and one of Africa’s liveliest cultural hubs.
The Ministry’s Creative Arts Department has supported more than 143 festivals, events, and programs from May 2024 up until now, amounting to roughly ₦8,475,238,265.00.
Furthermore, the ministry has provided endorsement letters to more than 124 creatives to aid them in their pursuit of securing sponsorships for their different projects.
This significant investment underscores the Ministry’s steadfast dedication to establishing Lagos as the premier center for arts, culture, and entertainment across Africa.
The endorsed projects encompass community festivals, cultural displays, entertainment gatherings, fashion weeks, art exhibits, industrial interactions, youth development forums, and international tourism conferences.
“Every initiative greatly aids in conserving culture, boosting the economy, generating jobs, attracting tourists, and increasing international media exposure — thus strengthening Lagos’s reputation as a thriving center for creativity and one of Africa’s most lively cultural hubs,” said the commissioner.
Benson-Awoyinka highlighted several events and festivals such as the Brazilian Descendent Arts & Culture Association (BDACA) event, Lagos Shopping Festival, Twin Fest Africana, Groove and Food Festival, Nigeria Soup Festival, TM Perfume Launch, Sango World Festival, Kenny Saint Ogungbe Concert, Ede Mi Asa Mi Festival, and African Fashion Designers Award, amongst others.
The commissioner stated that the ministry remains committed to advancing this significant portfolio of investments and collaborations. This effort aims to boost the development of the creative sector, support cultural entrepreneurs, preserve heritage, and enhance Lagos’s international presence as a dynamic hub for tourism and culture.
She emphasized that the significant accomplishments and landmarks achieved by the ministry over the past year serve as evidence of this current government’s steadfast dedication to transforming Lagos into the leading creative and tourist hub of Africa.
Benson-Awoyinka further stated that, within its strategic framework, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture remains committed to consistently interacting with major players in the industry. This ongoing dialogue aims at evaluating the current condition of the tourism sector, pinpointing urgent issues, and seeking practical ways for government support and action.
She mentioned that this method guaranteed that the policy guidance stayed inclusive, evidence-based, and consistent with the challenges encountered by professionals in the field. She added that throughout the previous year, the ministry had reinforced its collaborative bond with parties involved at different levels within the tourism sector.
We have continually evolved and polished policies that establish a structure for tourism within Lagos State. Additionally, we’ve launched significant initiatives and ventures aimed at improving the experiences of both locals and tourists, thereby supporting the achievement of the fifth objective under the THEMES Plus agenda.
“In keeping with this aim, the ministry interacted with prominent figures from the industry, such as Mr. Nkereweum Onung, who serves as the president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), and Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, the leader of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP),” she stated.
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