Lagos State Government Allocates N8.5 Billion to Arts and Culture
The Lagos State Government has allocated approximately N8.5 billion to sponsor over 143 festivals and events within the past year, as reported by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.
Benson-Awoyinka revealed that the ministry has broadened its scope, fortified strategic alliances, and executed impactful initiatives that highlight the splendor and diversity of Lagos, empower the youth and creative entrepreneurs, and establish Lagos as the preeminent hub for arts, culture, and entertainment in Africa.
The ministry has supported a myriad of initiatives, including community festivals, cultural exhibitions, entertainment spectacles, fashion weeks, art showcases, industry engagements, youth empowerment platforms, and international tourism summits. Among the sponsored events are the Brazilian Descendant Arts & Culture Association (BDACA), Lagos Shopping Festival, Twin Fest Africana, Groove and Food Festival, Nigeria Soup Festival, TM Perfume Launch, and Sango World Festival.
Furthermore, the government has embarked on the restoration of 30 heritage monuments, with 11 already completed. Efforts to reconstruct essential cultural infrastructure are in progress, including the redevelopment of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was devastated during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
The ministry has forged partnerships with premier creative academies, such as Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and the African Film Academy, to train over 10,000 youths in film production, animation, screenwriting, and sound design.
The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board has issued over 1,100 permits to filmmakers and actively participated in digital content regulation conferences to uphold industry standards.
Lagos is increasingly gaining international recognition, with distinguished visitors such as Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and American cultural delegations attending events and festivals in the state.
The ministry has also collaborated with BBC Studios executives, CNN’s Richard Quest, and Global Tourism Head Zara Driss at the World Travel Market in London, showcasing Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative scene.
