In a bold demonstration of its cultural ambition, the Lagos State Government has invested approximately N8.5 billion in the sponsorship of over 143 festivals and creative events over the past year. The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on May 28 in commemoration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office during his second term.
This substantial cultural expenditure, according to the Commissioner, is part of a deliberate effort to reshape Lagos’s tourism and creative ecosystem, positioning the city not only as a regional hub for entertainment but also as a global destination for culture, heritage, and innovation.
“Through the ministry, the Creative Arts Department sponsored the festivals with the sum of approximately N8.475 billion,” Benson-Awoyinka stated. “The ministry stands as a key driver in shaping the creative and tourism landscape, tasked with developing, implementing, and promoting policies that unlock the full potential of the state’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and thriving hospitality sector.”
The commissioner highlighted that the ministry has partnered with allied agencies such as the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board to drive these transformative initiatives. These bodies have collaborated in areas ranging from cultural preservation to creative regulation, while also promoting community participation and artistic excellence.
Over the last 12 months, Lagos has broadened its reach, formed international alliances, and rolled out initiatives that showcase the city’s cultural richness. According to Benson-Awoyinka, these efforts also create opportunities for youth and creative entrepreneurs, helping them thrive in a globally competitive environment.
Government Backing for Arts and Creative Economy
As part of its broader strategy, the ministry issued endorsement letters to more than 124 creative stakeholders, supporting their quests for sponsorships and partnerships. This, the Commissioner noted, demonstrates the government’s commitment to nurturing a viable creative economy.
She explained that the funds disbursed went into a wide array of projects including community festivals, cultural exhibitions, fashion weeks, concerts, film industry events, youth empowerment platforms, and global tourism summits. Each project, she said, contributes meaningfully to job creation, cultural identity, economic vibrancy, and international visibility for Lagos.
Among the notable events sponsored were the Brazilian Descendant Arts & Culture Association (BDACA) celebration, the Lagos Shopping Festival, Twin Fest Africana, Groove and Food Festival, Nigeria Soup Festival, and Sango World Festival. Other initiatives included Africa Fashion Designers Award, Wear Nigeria Fashion Exhibition, Kurunmi: The Stage Play, and a Night of Tribute for the late actor Dejumo Lewis.
Cultural Restoration and Global Visibility
Highlighting efforts toward cultural preservation, the Commissioner announced that the government has commenced restoration of 30 heritage monuments, with 11 already completed. She also revealed plans to reconstruct the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
Among the standout achievements in 2024 was the revival of the historic Fanti Carnival, held in April on Lagos Island. This event, rooted in Afro-Brazilian history, drew thousands of tourists and underscored the cultural fusion that continues to define Lagos’s identity.
In November 2024, the state launched the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which has since attracted international dignitaries including Crowned Princess Victoria of Sweden and various American cultural envoys.
On the global stage, Lagos’s cultural diplomacy is gaining traction. The ministry hosted prominent figures such as BBC Studios executives, CNN anchor Richard Quest, and Zara Driss, Global Head of Tourism, during key engagements like the World Travel Market in London.
Youth Empowerment Through Creative Training
Investing in the next generation of talent, the state government has partnered with premier creative institutions including Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and the African Film Academy to train over 10,000 young people in skills such as film production, animation, screenwriting, and sound design.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board issued over 1,100 permits to filmmakers in the past year and has been active in promoting ethical standards in the evolving digital content landscape through regulatory conferences and stakeholder engagements.
A City Reimagined Through Culture
Benson-Awoyinka concluded that these achievements mark Lagos’s transformation into the creative and tourism capital of Africa. With consistent policy support, public-private collaboration, and grassroots participation, the government is cultivating an environment where culture fuels economic development and global recognition.
“From economic stimulation to heritage conservation, every festival and initiative we support is a building block in the vision of a thriving, inclusive, and globally respected Lagos,” she said.
