LAGOS AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO NINE STUDENTS AT SECOND EDITION OF EKO SCHOOLS ARTS AND CRAFTS COMPETITION
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, on Tuesday, awarded one-year scholarships to nine students at the grand finale of the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
The competition, which debuted in 2025, brought together emerging creative talents from basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Lagos State to showcase their artistic abilities and creative works.
Artistic works showcased during the competition included painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art, crocheting, and upcycling.
The scholarship recipients from secondary schools were Saheed Kadijat Remilekun of Community Junior Grammar School, Egbeda; Olorungbamila Esther of Ikokun Junior High School; Aishat Opeyemi of Clegg Girls Junior High School; Akinola Oluwatobi of Sanngo Senior Secondary School; Makinde Opeyemi of Millennium Senior Secondary School, Egbeda; and Ajayi Pascal of Methodist High School.
At the tertiary level, Aina Samuel, Abdul Rahman Saheed, and Goodness Popoola of the Lagos State University of Education were also awarded one-year scholarships for their outstanding performance in the competition.
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the event as a celebration of creativity, innovation, culture, and the limitless potential of young Lagosians.
She noted that the competition remains a flagship initiative of the Lagos State Government aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing artistic talents among students across the state.
According to her, the 2026 edition attracted 489 registered participants, while 132 contestants eventually submitted entries from schools across the five divisions of the state and selected tertiary institutions.
“The quality, originality, and creativity displayed by the participants were remarkable. Today is not merely a competition finale; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, culture, and the boundless potential of young Lagosians,” she said.
With the theme “This Is Lagos,” participants were challenged to creatively interpret the state’s identity, heritage, resilience, innovation, and diversity.
Oyekan-Ismaila noted that the artworks successfully reflected Lagos’ cultural heritage, vibrant communities, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to sustainability.
She commended all participants, stressing that every artwork represented dedication, imagination, and hard work.
“Beyond the prizes and awards, every participant deserves recognition. Every artwork tells a unique story, and every student who expressed creativity through art is a winner,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary also praised the panel of judges for ensuring a transparent selection process and acknowledged the support provided by principals, teachers, school administrators, parents, and guardians.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening arts education, skills development, and mentorship programmes, she said the creative industry has become a major driver of economic growth, innovation, employment, and global recognition.
Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu Solomon, specially recognized Barr. Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, initiator of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, for creating a platform that continues to open opportunities for emerging creative talents in the state.
According to him, the competition was designed to encourage self-reliance among students through arts and crafts.
He added that creative talents can generate substantial income, urging students to view art as a viable career path rather than waiting for white-collar jobs.
“Not everybody among you will become a civil servant. Not everybody will become a banker. But with this program, you can be self-sufficient with your arts and crafts,” he added.
Representing the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, described the programme as a celebration of the limitless potential of learners.
She said arts and crafts remain purposeful tools for expression and innovation, urging students to allow their creativity to speak boldly.
“To our dear students, I encourage you to participate continuously and confidently, learn from one another, and let your creativity speak bold.”
She went further, “Arts and crafts are not merely extracurricular activities. They are power tools of expression, critical thinking, cultural preservation, and skills development.
“Through initiatives like this competition, we are creating platforms for our students to discover their gifts and build confidence and showcase their ingenuity.
“Remember, every masterpiece begins with an idea. And today will mark the beginning of something extraordinary for many of you,” she concluded.
Speaking on the Lagos State Government’s commitment, she noted: “The state government remains committed to promoting holistic education through the ministry of basic and secondary education that goes beyond the classroom to nurture your creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation in our children in line with the vision of Mr. Governor and the THEMES+ agenda.”
Also present at the event was Dr. Fola David, the current holder of the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest drawing by an individual.
The doctor and visual artist congratulated the winners while encouraging them not to relent and to continue developing their talents.
“I want you to know that if you continue pushing your talent, pushing your weight, and believing in yourself, you can become someone in the future.
“Don’t let it go. No matter what happens. You might say, Oh, because I did not win or something. No, that is not it.
“What you have is something special, and I want you to hold on to it and don’t let it go; keep moving and keep believing in yourself.”
The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding participants, marking another successful edition of the competition aimed at fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural appreciation among Lagos youths.
The winners, while speaking to HotJist at the event, appreciated the Lagos State government for providing them with a platform to showcase their talents.
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