The Lagos State Government says it is committed to deepening investment in tourism, arts and culture through major festivals, creative industry support, heritage preservation and international collaborations aimed at positioning the state as Africa’s leading cultural and entertainment hub.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Benson-Awoyinka said the ministry recorded significant milestones in the last one year under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, particularly in the areas of cultural tourism, hospitality, entertainment and creative economy development.
One of the major highlights, she said, was the revival of the historic Eyo Festival after ten years. The 73rd Adamu Orisha Play held in December 2025 honoured four late prominent Lagosians including Chief Abibatu Mogaji, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.
She stated that the government also hosted the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival at Tafawa Balewa Square, attracting more than 40,000 participants and visitors from within and outside Nigeria in celebration of Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian heritage.
The Commissioner at the briefing which had in attendance the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe said Lagos further strengthened its reputation as Africa’s creative capital by hosting the 9th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, alongside several global tourism and entertainment events.According to her, the ministry supported 201 creative programmes, festivals and cultural events within the review period, up from 143 events recorded the previous year.
“These initiatives continue to contribute significantly to job creation, tourism growth, cultural preservation and global visibility for Lagos State,” she said.
Benson-Awoyinka disclosed that more than 159 creative stakeholders also received endorsement support from the ministry to facilitate partnerships with sponsors and investors.
On tourism infrastructure and heritage preservation, she said the state unveiled several monuments and sculptures, including the Eyo Statue at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and the Head Bust of late Ndubuisi Kanu at Alausa.
She said ongoing projects include statues of former governors, restoration of the Ejinrin First Post Office in Epe, the Badagry Slave Route development project and reconstruction of the Oregun Theatre into a modern performing arts centre.
The Commissioner noted that Lagos recorded over 94,000 visitors across major heritage centres including the J. Randle Centre, Freedom Park and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
Benson-Awoyinka further revealed that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board issued over 2,000 filming permits while more than 10,000 young creatives benefited from training programmes through partnerships with creative academies.
She also highlighted Lagos’ hosting of Africa’s first all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Lagos GP, describing it as a major boost for sports tourism, blue economy development and sustainable innovation.
The Commissioner said the ministry would continue to leverage culture, tourism and entertainment as strategic drivers of economic growth, youth empowerment and international visibility for Lagos State.
