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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Government, through a new initiative tagged, ‘Eko Arts and Crafts Competition,’ is set to discover, nurture and showcase talents that exist in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Art and Culture, Damilola Ayinde Marshal disclosed this during a press conference at Alausa, Ikeja.
The conference, convened yesterday, was to formally announce the unveiling of the maiden edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the state.
The aide, who unveiled a portal for registration, said it serves as the platform for students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions to register in the state.
Participants are expected to register and submit their entries between September 11 and 18 and the competition will eventually take place between September 18 and October 2.
Marshal stated that the governor has approved scholarship awards for the winners at the end of the exercise.
She explained that under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the State Governor, the fifth pillar, ‘Entertainment and Tourism’ continued to demonstrate the unwavering commitment to harnessing creativity, empowering young people and positioning Lagos as the cultural and entertainment hub of Africa.
The SSA noted that in addressing the Governor’s vision, Eko Arts and Crafts Competition is one of the strategic interventions that would bring the initiative to reality.
Marshal said: “This competition has been carefully designed to discover, nurture and showcase the immense talent that exists in our secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Lagos.
“We recognise that within our classrooms are young artists, sculptors and creative thinkers, whose gifts must not only be encouraged but also refined, celebrated and projected to the world.’
“Indeed, classroom learning provides the foundation for intellectual growth. However, there is also the need to create platforms, where creativity can flourish, where hidden skills can be brought to light and where passion can be transformed into productive careers. This is what this competition seeks to achieve.
“Art, as we know, is more than just aesthetics. It is storytelling. It is heritage preservation. It is a mirror of society.
“Through paintings, drawings, sculptures and crafts, our young people have the opportunity to express their thoughts, aspirations and ideas, while also preserving our cultural identity for future generations. By promoting arts and crafts, we are not only encouraging creativity but also safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State.
“Furthermore, this initiative will serve as a platform to foster creativity among young people, encourage entrepreneurship in the creative sector, promote cultural heritage through modern and traditional artistic expressions and develop genuine skills that will support sustainable economic growth and innovation in our state.”
While encouraging school administrators, parents, teachers and guardians to motivate their wards and students to register, she noted: “The competition promises not only recognition but also life-changing opportunities for winners, as they will be exposed to mentorship, exhibitions and possible partnerships that will enable them to thrive in the creative industry.
“As we commence this journey, let me especially appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, tourism development and the promotion of arts and crafts. His vision continues to drive our collective effort to position Lagos as the creative heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa.”
