The Lagos State Government has revealed it spent over N8.5 billion to sponsor more than 143 festivals and events in the last 12 months, a move it says is aimed at reshaping the state’s creative and tourism sector.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, part of the activities marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office for his second term.
She said the funds were disbursed through the ministry’s Creative Arts Department and were used to support a wide range of cultural showcases, entertainment events, fashion weeks, and art exhibitions. According to her, the investment reflects the government’s commitment to positioning Lagos as the leading hub for arts, culture, and entertainment in Africa.
Benson-Awoyinka said the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Films and Video Censors Board played supportive roles in driving these initiatives, which she described as key to empowering youth and creative entrepreneurs.
The commissioner added that over 124 creative stakeholders were issued endorsement letters to help them seek sponsorship for various projects. She also listed several events funded by the ministry, including the Brazilian Descendant Arts and Culture Association Festival, Twin Fest Africana, Nigeria Soup Festival, Africa Fashion Designers Award, Wear Nigeria Fashion Exhibition, and the Sango World Festival.
She said the investments align with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which includes “Entertainment and Tourism” as a key pillar for economic diversification and youth empowerment.
One of the major highlights was the revival of the historic Fanti Carnival in April 2025, held at the Remembrance Arcade on Lagos Island. The event attracted thousands of local and international visitors and celebrated the city’s Afro-Brazilian heritage.
The ministry also restored 11 out of 30 heritage monuments and began reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was damaged during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. Another key milestone was the launch of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in November 2024, which drew high-profile international visitors.
Partnerships with top-tier creative academies like Del-York, EbonyLife, and the African Film Academy led to the training of over 10,000 youths in filmmaking, animation, screenwriting, and sound design.
She said the Lagos Film and Video Censors Board issued over 1,100 permits to filmmakers in the past year and participated in digital content regulation conferences to uphold industry standards.
The 2024 Greater Lagos Fiesta featured performances by Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage across five divisions. The Lagos Shopping Festival at Onikan Stadium hosted more than 400 vendors and drew over 50,000 visitors, highlighting the synergy between tourism, culture, and commerce.
Benson-Awoyinka also noted strategic partnerships with BBC Studios, the Badagry International Film Festival, and the Greater Lagos Rising Tour as part of efforts to boost Lagos’s global presence.
“Lagos is not just a destination. It is a cultural awakening,” she said. “We are committed to preserving our heritage while telling our stories in a way that attracts both visitors and investors.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at The Headies 2025 for his support of the creative industry. The commissioner also received a Special Recognition Award in San Francisco for her leadership in promoting culture and tourism.
Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described the ministry as central to the state’s identity and progress. “Wherever this ministry moves, Lagos moves,” he said. “It has revived culture and tourism for the benefit of Lagos, Nigeria, and the Black race.”
3
previous post