The Lagos State Government is moving to expand its global cultural influence through new international collaborations following high-level talks between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and representatives of the French Embassy and Consulate in Ikoyi.
The meeting, which took place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, was led by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, alongside senior ministry officials. On the French side were the Consul General of France in Lagos, Mr. Laurent Favier, and top cultural representatives.
Central to the discussions were two French-supported initiatives slated for October, a Fela Exhibition and a Cultural Conference expected to draw between 800 and 1,200 participants to Lagos. According to Benson-Awoyinka, the events will highlight Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage while providing new opportunities for creative exchange.
She noted that the talks also focused on investment possibilities within Lagos’ rapidly growing creative economy, spanning film, fashion, music, animation, and documentary production. “Lagos is Africa’s creative heartbeat, and partnerships like this ensure our heritage is preserved while our creative industries continue to flourish,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
The Commissioner further emphasised the state’s commitment to safeguarding its heritage under the Lagos State Preservation Law of 2011. She also revealed ongoing plans to strengthen collaborations with cultural bodies across the European Union to boost capacity-building, policy development, and cultural conservation.
In the last year alone, Lagos invested over ₦8.4 billion to support more than 140 cultural festivals and events, a move that reinforces its standing as Africa’s cultural capital.
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