Lagos State has announced the maiden edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for secondary schools and tertiary institutions, aimed at discovering and nurturing creative talent among young people.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference held at the Ministry’s conference room in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Marshal, the initiative aligns with the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which prioritizes creativity, youth empowerment, and cultural promotion.
“This competition has been carefully designed to discover, nurture, and showcase the immense talent that exists in our secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Lagos,” he said.
He explained that the programme would not only encourage artistic expression but also promote cultural heritage, support entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for young people in the creative industry.
Marshal stressed that art goes beyond aesthetics, describing it as a medium for storytelling, heritage preservation, and social reflection. “By promoting arts and crafts, we are not only encouraging creativity but also safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State,” she added.
The SSA also announced the official launch of the competition’s registration portal, https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com, which will serve as the platform for students to register and submit entries. Participation is strictly open to students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the state.
She urged parents, teachers, and school administrators to encourage their wards and students to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that winners would benefit from mentorship, exhibitions, and possible industry partnerships.
Marshal commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of youth empowerment and tourism development, while also appealing to the media to give the initiative wide publicity.
The competition is expected to provide a platform for young artists to showcase their creativity through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and crafts, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Lagos State’s cultural identity.
Blacktalker reports that the registration portal will be opened from 11th to 18th of September, 2025, while the competition will commence from the 18th of September to the 2nd of October, 2025 with winners walking away with one year scholarships in each categories.