The Lagos State Government says it has spent over N8.47 billion sponsoring more than 140 cultural festivals and events across the state in the last year, in a bid to strengthen the creative economy and position Lagos as Africa's leading destination for arts and tourism.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second year in office for his second term.
According to her, the state's investment is already yielding results in job creation, business stimulation, and increased international attention to Lagos' cultural offerings.
"The ministry, through its Creative Arts Department, supported the hosting of 143 festivals with a total expenditure of N8.47 billion. This reflects our commitment to transforming Lagos into a globally competitive cultural hub," she said.
The Commissioner noted that key agencies—including the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Films and Video Censors Board—collaborated to drive cultural programming, youth engagement, and economic growth through the creative sector.
Among the sponsored events were the Fanti Carnival, the Africa Fashion Designers Award, the Kurunmi Stage Play, and the Badagry International Film Festival. Benson-Awoyinka explained that these events were designed not only to entertain, but to preserve local heritage and empower creative entrepreneurs.
She added that over 124 cultural practitioners received endorsement letters from the ministry to support their access to sponsorships.
"We are empowering creative talent, preserving our heritage, and expanding our international reach. This is in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda's fifth pillar, focused on entertainment and tourism," she said.
The ministry also reported the restoration of 11 out of 30 heritage monuments and the commencement of the Lagos Theatre reconstruction project in Oregun, which was damaged during the #EndSARS protests.
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On youth empowerment, the Commissioner said over 10,000 young creatives have received training in animation, screenwriting, film production, and sound design through partnerships with academies like Del-York, EbonyLife, and the African Film Academy.
She also revealed that over 1,100 film permits have been issued, while digital content regulation is being enforced to maintain standards in the creative industry.
One of the year's major tourism events, the Greater Lagos Fiesta, featured headline performances by stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage, and drew large crowds across all five divisions of the state.
Other initiatives like the Lagos Shopping Festival attracted over 50,000 visitors and 400 vendors, reinforcing the government's strategy to integrate commerce with cultural experiences.
Benson-Awoyinka announced a new strategic partnership with BBC Studios to boost Lagos storytelling and enhance the state's global media visibility.
"This partnership will help showcase Lagos as Africa's storytelling capital and attract both visitors and investors through culture, media, and tourism," she said.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described the tourism ministry as a strategic driver of economic growth and cultural revival.
