LAGOS GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES SECOND EDITION OF ÈKÓ ARTS AND CRAFTS COMPETITION
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By:Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its dedication to youth empowerment and the promotion of culture through the official press conference announcing the second edition of the Èkó Schools Arts and Crafts Competition (Secondary Schools & Tertiary Institutions) 2.0. The event took place at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the press conference convened key stakeholders from the education sector, the creative industry, and the media to present the broadened scope of the competition. Speaking to journalists, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to identify and nurture artistic talents among young people across the state. She added that the competition aligns with the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on advancing entertainment and tourism.
She noted that the second edition builds on the success of its inaugural outing, which recorded participation from thousands of students across Lagos.
According to her, the competition is structured not only to celebrate creativity but also to reinforce Lagos’ position as a leading hub for arts, culture, and innovation in Africa. With the second edition theme as “This is Lagos” participants, she explained, will showcase their skills through various art forms such as painting, sculpture, drawing, and crafts, while telling authentic Lagos-inspired stories.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila further explained that the competition will broaden participation, enhance mentorship opportunities, and foster stronger collaborations with stakeholders in the creative ecosystem. She emphasised that art goes beyond visual appeal, serving as a vital medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. The initiative, she said, will empower young creatives to transform their talents into sustainable careers while preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos State.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she stressed the importance of sustaining initiatives that promote youth development and innovation. She described the competition as timely, given the increasing relevance of the creative economy, and noted that it would help groom future artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors. She also urged school administrators, parents, and guardians to actively support and encourage student participation.
The organisers disclosed that registration for the competition will run for three weeks, from May 4 to May 25, and is open to all secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Lagos State via the official portal: https://www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com
The competition will be conducted in stages, with exceptional participants receiving recognition, mentorship opportunities, exhibition platforms, and scholarships.
The press conference concluded with a call for strong media collaboration to boost awareness and participation. Stakeholders expressed confidence that the second edition will exceed the achievements of the first, further cementing Lagos State’s status as a vibrant centre for arts and culture in Nigeria and beyond.
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