The investment reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering vision to build a resilient creative economy that empowers talents and amplifies the global visibility of Lagos as a dynamic cultural capital
Lagos State Invests Over ₦8.4 Billion in Creative Economy, Tourism in One Year – Commissioner
The Lagos State Government has invested over ₦8.4 billion in the creative and tourism sectors within the last year, according to the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.
Speaking during the Ministerial Press Briefing on Wednesday in Alausa, Ikeja, to mark Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s sixth year in office, the Commissioner revealed that the State supported 143 cultural, arts, and tourism events—including festivals—with a total sum of ₦8,475,238,265.00.
“This investment reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering vision to build a resilient creative economy that empowers talents, preserves our rich heritage, and amplifies the global visibility of Lagos as a dynamic cultural capital,” said Benson-Awoyinka.
She highlighted that the wide-ranging support spanned local community festivals to major international art exhibitions, serving as platforms for job creation, youth empowerment, tourism promotion, and broader economic revitalisation.
The Commissioner added that beyond financial support, the Ministry issued over 124 endorsement letters to creative individuals and organisations, enabling them to secure sponsorships and partnerships for their projects.
“These initiatives cut across music, film, fashion, visual arts, theatre, and cultural tourism,” she noted, emphasising that many of the supported events have attracted both local and international audiences, strengthening Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s creative hub.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to continued growth in the sector, Benson-Awoyinka called for deeper private sector collaboration.
“We remain open to partnerships and stakeholder engagement that will sustainably transform Lagos into a global beacon for the creative economy,” she said. Read More
