Lagos State and the State of California, United States, have formalised a Sister-State partnership aimed at deepening collaboration in tourism and the creative industry, multimodal transportation and information technology.

The partnership was formalised during a working visit to San Francisco, California and New York by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside members of the Lagos State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

The partnership, sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, is expected to create opportunities for collaboration and strengthen economic ties between Lagos and California.

The Lagos delegation also engaged global investors and partners in New York on opportunities in the state’s tourism, arts, culture and creative economy sectors.

During the engagements, the delegation noted the growing global recognition of artistes from Lagos, including Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Asake and Fireboy DML, alongside other Nigerian creative brands.

The state government said the recognition underscored Lagos’ role in driving global entertainment and the growth of Afrobeats.

Benson-Awoyinka said the state remained committed to creating opportunities and platforms for creative talents to develop, tell their stories and own their narratives on the global stage.

She said Lagos would continue to support young talents and create an enabling environment for the growth of its creative economy.