The Lagos State Government reports that it has invested over N8.5 billion in supporting more than 143 cultural festivals, creative programs, and tourism-related projects during the last year.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, this was stated during the press briefing of the 2025 ministerial event held on Wednesday to mark the two-year anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
Benson-Awoyinka stated that this funding supports the fifth pillar of the administration’s THEMES Plus initiative, where “Entertainment and Tourism” has been recognized as crucial for expanding the economy, supporting young people, and fostering culture.
“The Ministry, via the Creative Arts Department, has supported more than 143 festivals, events, and programs since May 2024, allocating roughly N8,475,238,265.00 for this purpose,” she stated.
She revealed that the ministry provided endorsement letters to over 124 creatives, allowing these individuals to pursue sponsorships for their individual initiatives.
The commissioner stated that this significant investment shows the state government’s dedication to establishing Lagos as the foremost center for arts, culture, and entertainment in Africa.
She mentioned that the backed projects spanned various fields such as local festivities, cultural presentations, recreational gatherings, style weeks, visual arts displays, professional meetups, young adult support forums, and international travel symposiums.
“Every initiative plays a crucial role in preserving culture, boosting the economy, generating jobs, attracting tourists, and increasing global media exposure—strengthening Lagos’s image as a thriving center for creativity and one of Africa’s most lively cultural hubs,” she noted.
Benson-Awoyinka further stated that aiming to develop a highly skilled global creative force, the ministry has established key collaborations with four prominent creative institutions. These partnerships will offer top-notch education and enhance the capabilities of local youth throughout Lagos State.
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