By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Government has unveiled the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, aimed at discovering, nurturing and showcasing the creative potential of young people while strengthening the state’s position as a leading hub for arts and culture in Africa.

The initiative was announced on Monday at a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Alausa, Ikeja, by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila.

Among dignitaries present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka; Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mr. Omotayo Sanni; Permanent Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite; and Permanent Secretary, Tertiary Education, Mrs. Abimbola (Bunmi) Ibidapo-Obe, among other stakeholders.

The maiden edition of the competition, anchored by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Miss Damilola Marshall, recorded significant success, drawing over 150 entries from students across secondary and tertiary institutions in Lagos State and producing outstanding winners who have continued to gain visibility for their creative works.

Speaking at the briefing, Oyekan-Ismaila said the unveiling of the second edition represents a deliberate step toward advancing the state’s vision of promoting creativity as a tool for youth empowerment and economic growth.

She explained that the 2026 edition, themed “This Is Lagos,” is designed to scale up participation, increase visibility and expand developmental opportunities for participants across the state.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly the entertainment and tourism pillar, which seeks to harness creativity as a driver of economic development and cultural identity.

“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, while positioning creativity as a key contributor to economic growth and youth empowerment,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary added that this year’s edition will introduce structured mentorship programmes, broader industry engagement and increased exposure for young artists, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world creative enterprise.

She noted that the competition is designed as a multi-agency effort involving key ministries, including Basic and Secondary Education, Tertiary Education, Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as Science and Technology, to ensure students across all levels have access to opportunities and guidance.

Oyekan-Ismaila further emphasised that the programme promotes inclusivity, stating that participation alone is considered an achievement, with mentorship and consolation prizes available to ensure no participant is left behind.

While responding to question raised she said the initiative also provides a pathway for students to develop their talents from early education stages through to professional careers, helping them transform creative ideas into viable economic opportunities.

Organisers disclosed that the competition has already delivered tangible benefits, with some student artworks attracting buyers and generating income, particularly for families from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The competition is open to students in both public and private schools across Lagos State, with growing interest observed among young people, including those previously uninterested in the arts.

Registration for the competition opened on May 4 and will close on May 25, 2026, via the official portal at http://www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com
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Oyekan-Ismaila reiterated the state government’s commitment to investing in creative talent, noting that creativity remains a catalyst for innovation, economic growth and overall societal well-being.