The Lagos State Government has officially launched the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young creative talents and positioning the state as a leading hub for arts and culture in Africa.
Speaking at a press conference held on Monday at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the initiative as a strategic platform designed to discover, develop, and showcase the creative potential of students across the state.
Reflecting on the maiden edition held in October 2025, Oyekan-Ismaila noted that the competition attracted 153 entries from students in both public and private secondary and tertiary institutions, culminating in the emergence of nine winners across three categories.
She said the entries went beyond artistic displays, representing stories of identity, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos.
She noted that the success of the inaugural edition underscored the abundance of creative talent among young people in the state and reinforced the need for sustained investment in the creative sector.
According to her, the competition aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on entertainment and tourism as drivers of economic growth and youth empowerment.
For the 2026 edition, themed “This is Lagos!”, the government plans to scale up participation, increase visibility, and expand opportunities for participants.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that new features such as structured mentorship, broader industry engagement, and enhanced exposure for young artists have been introduced.
“This is not just an event; it is a continuous journey of growth and discovery,” she said, adding that the initiative bridges classroom learning with real-world creative enterprise while equipping participants with skills relevant to the global economy.
Oyekan-Ismaila also called on school administrators, parents, and guardians to encourage students to participate actively, stressing that the competition serves as a platform for grooming future artists, innovators, and cultural ambassadors.
She commended media partners for their role in amplifying the initiative and urged continued support to ensure wider reach and participation across the state.
Registration for the competition is currently open and scheduled to close on Monday 25th May, 2026, with the government expressing optimism that the second edition will be bigger, more inclusive, and more impactful, producing talents capable of representing Lagos on the global stage.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to investing in the creative economy, noting that fostering creativity would drive innovation, economic growth, and overall societal development.
Interested students can register via:www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com
