LAGOS GOVT SHOWCASES TOURISM, CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS AT 2026 MINISTERIAL BRIEFING
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has highlighted major achievements recorded in the last one year as part of activities marking the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Speaking at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the ministry remained committed to positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading destination for tourism, entertainment, arts, culture, and hospitality.
According to her, the ministry expanded its impact through strategic local and international partnerships, cultural festivals, capacity-building programmes, and tourism-driven initiatives aimed at promoting Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and creative economy.
She noted that one of the major highlights of the year was the revival of the Eyo Festival held on December 27, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, where distinguished Nigerians, including the late Chief Mrs. Habibat Mogaji, Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Sir Michael Otedola, were honoured for their contributions to Lagos State.
Benson-Awoyinka also highlighted the successful hosting of the Lagos Fanti Carnival on April 6, 2026, at Campos Square, Lagos Island, describing it as “more than just a cultural parade, but a profound reconnection with history and identity.”
She explained that the carnival celebrated Afro-Brazilian heritage through music, dance, fashion, cuisine, and theatrical displays, while boosting tourism and stimulating the local economy.
The Commissioner disclosed that the ministry sponsored over 200 festivals, events, and cultural programmes within the period under review, compared to 143 initiatives recorded the previous year. She added that over 159 creative stakeholders also received endorsements and institutional support from the government.
According to her, the EKO Arts and Crafts Competition, themed “My Neighbours, My Arts,” attracted 113 entries from primary, secondary, and tertiary school students across the state, promoting creativity and artistic innovation among youths.
She further stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s support for the creative industry during the 12th African Man in New York Awards held at EKO Hotel, where he stressed the need for stronger collaboration against piracy and intellectual property theft.
The Commissioner said the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture also organised several programmes, including World Theatre Day, World Culture Week, World Dance Day, the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), and the Inter-Secondary Schools Cultural Quiz Competition aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting creative expression among young people.
Speaking on tourism and youth empowerment, Benson-Awoyinka said the ministry had trained over 10,000 youths through arts and culture programmes, while festivals and cultural activities continued to create opportunities for artisans, entertainers, traders, and small businesses across Lagos.
She added that the ministry remained committed to preserving cultural heritage, enhancing tourism development, and positioning Lagos as a global hub for creativity, culture, and entertainment.
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