Lagos State Government has announced that it spent over N8 billion on 143 festivals in 2024 to strengthen the creative arts sector and provide a more conducive environment for its growth.
The commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, revealed these figures today at the 2025 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa.
She emphasized that each initiative significantly contributed to cultural preservation, economic stimulation, job creation, tourism inflow, and global media visibility, further cementing Lagos’ image as Nigeria’s creative capital.
According to her, these investments have led to new local and foreign inflows into the tourism and entertainment industries, expanded value chains, and created more jobs for residents.
“Lagos is now recognized as one of Africa’s most vibrant cultural and tourism destinations,” Benson – Awoyinka said.
She noted that endorsement letters were presented to 124 creative stakeholders to support sponsorship efforts for various cultural and artistic initiatives.
She stated that her ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, is working on the regulation and registration of beach operators across the state.
“This initiative aims to enhance safety, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure improved service delivery along Lagos’ waterfronts.
“As part of the government’s youth empowerment drive, over 10,000 Lagos youths have been trained in various industry-related disciplines, including filmmaking, production management, cinematography, and digital media.
These efforts are geared towards reducing youth restiveness and curbing social vices in the metropolis.” She added.
Benson-Awoyinka also announced the call for entries for the upcoming African Music Next Talent Hunt, adding that, in the past year, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan and Freedom Park collectively received over 50,000 visitors during major festival celebrations.
