The Lagos State Government says it invested several billions of naira in sponsorships and support for the creative industry within the last one year as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s entertainment, tourism, and cultural ecosystem.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, made this known during the ongoing annual Ministerial Press Briefing marking the seventh year in office of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
According to the Commissioner, the Ministry supported 201 events, festivals, and creative programmes between May 2025 and May 2026, representing a significant increase from the 143 initiatives supported during the previous year.
She said the development reflects the deliberate commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to expanding Lagos’ creative economy and positioning the state as Africa’s leading hub for arts, culture, entertainment, and tourism.
“Between May 2025 till date, the Ministry, through its Creative Arts Department, significantly expanded its support for the creative and cultural sector by sponsoring over Two Hundred and One events, festivals, and programmes,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Ministry issued endorsement letters to more than 159 creative stakeholders to assist them in securing sponsorships and partnerships for their projects and initiatives.
Among the major events and initiatives supported by the state government during the period under review were Lagos Fashion Week, Felabration, Lagos Cocktail Week, Homecoming Festival, All Africa Music Awards, Lagos Fanti Carnival and the Eyo Festival.
She noted that the government’s investments in the creative and tourism sectors have contributed to job creation, youth empowerment, tourism growth, and increased international visibility for Lagos State.
Benson-Awoyinka added that Lagos continues to maintain its position as the creative capital of Africa with growing opportunities across music, film, fashion, arts, culture, and tourism industries.
