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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on creatives and storytellers to sustain innovation and avoid complacency as the state intensifies efforts to deepen and expand its creative economy.
The governor made the call on Tuesday at the Lens for Good 2026 Storytellers’ Conference, themed “Stories That Move Us,” held at the Wole Soyinka Centre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a city defined by energy, resilience and creativity, noting that the state and Nigeria at large are home to vast pools of untapped talent waiting to be discovered.
According to him, perseverance and the ability to push through difficult moments are central to Lagos’ identity, stressing that continuous innovation is critical in a highly competitive environment.
“Failure to create or improve creates space for others to take the lead,” the governor warned, urging creatives to constantly challenge themselves and pursue originality in order to remain relevant.
He also acknowledged existing concerns about trust between government and the creative community, describing trust-building as a gradual process that requires consistency in policies and sustained engagement.
Sanwo-Olu said government must demonstrate sincerity by providing an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure and clear strategic direction.
He added that the relationship between government and creatives should be viewed as a partnership, noting that government does not have all the answers and must remain open to being challenged and guided by industry stakeholders.
The governor identified complacency as one of the biggest threats to the growth of the creative industry in Lagos, urging practitioners to set higher goals, embrace continuous self-improvement and learn from past experiences to achieve better outcomes.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ vision is to become a leading global city with abundant opportunities, a high quality of life and a thriving creative sector.
He added that the state aims to serve as a benchmark for other cities, where success in Lagos reflects the ability to compete globally.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, sustained engagement and continuous improvement, assuring that Lagos would remain a city where creativity thrives and opportunities are accessible to all residents.
