By: Tijani Salako.

From the revival of the iconic Eyo Festival to hosting Africa’s first electric powerboat race, Lagos State is steadily redefining tourism beyond leisure and transforming it into a major economic and cultural force.

Over the past year, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has intensified efforts to position Lagos as Africa’s leading tourism, entertainment and creative destination through a combination of festivals, infrastructure upgrades, cultural preservation and global partnerships.

At the centre of this strategy is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly the entertainment and tourism pillar, which seeks to diversify the state’s economy beyond traditional revenue sources.

One of the most symbolic moments of the year was the revival of the Eyo Festival after a decade-long break.

The 73rd Adamu Orisha Play held in December 2025 brought Lagos Island alive with colourful masquerades, traditional processions and cultural displays honouring notable Lagos figures including Chief Abibatu Mogaji, Mobolaji Johnson, Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.

For many residents and tourists, the festival represented more than culture. It became an economic event that stimulated businesses in fashion, food, transportation, hospitality and entertainment.

The government also expanded its cultural tourism footprint through the Lagos Fanti Carnival, which celebrated the Afro-Brazilian heritage of Lagos.

Held at Tafawa Balewa Square, the carnival attracted over 40,000 participants and showcased samba-inspired dance, capoeira, theatrical displays and heritage exhibitions.

The event reinforced Lagos’ growing appeal as a destination for diaspora tourism and cultural exchange.

Music and entertainment also remained major pillars of the tourism drive.

Lagos hosted the 9th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, bringing together musicians, policymakers and industry leaders from across the continent.

The city further gained international visibility after becoming the first African host of the E1 Lagos GP, the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship.

The race, held on Five Cowrie Creek, projected Lagos as a modern city embracing sustainability, innovation and sports tourism.

Beyond festivals and entertainment, the state government intensified investments in tourism infrastructure and heritage preservation.

The reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun is expected to provide a world-class performing arts centre capable of supporting concerts, stage plays and cultural productions.

The government also unveiled and constructed several monuments and heritage projects including the Eyo Statue at the J. Randle Centre, the Ndubuisi Kanu bust and ongoing sculptures honouring Lateef Jakande and Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

In Badagry, the government continued efforts to strengthen slave route tourism through road infrastructure, museum upgrades and solar-powered energy systems at key heritage sites.

Officials also embarked on a working tour to the Republic of Benin to understudy global best practices in heritage tourism management.

The state’s cultural assets are increasingly attracting visitors.

According to the ministry, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History recorded over 56,000 visitors within the review period, while Freedom Park and Badagry Heritage Museum also witnessed strong visitor traffic.

The J. Randle Centre’s global recognition at the 32nd Annual Thea Awards in Florida further elevated Lagos’ international tourism profile.

Away from infrastructure and festivals, the state also focused on human capital development.

Through the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, more than 10,000 creatives received training through partnerships with institutions such as Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy and GIDI Creative Academy.

Over 2,000 filming permits were also issued, reflecting Lagos’ dominance as Nigeria’s leading film production hub.

The government’s support for over 201 cultural and creative events equally highlighted the growing importance of the entertainment economy in Lagos.

From fashion weeks and jazz festivals to food tourism and street carnivals, the state continued to position culture not only as identity, but also as business.

Tourism stakeholders say the combination of culture, entertainment, heritage and infrastructure investments is gradually strengthening Lagos’ reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic tourism destinations.

For the Sanwo-Olu administration, the ambition is clear: to transform Lagos into a globally competitive city where tourism, creativity and culture become central drivers of economic growth, youth employment and international influence.