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The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting arts education and empowering young talents through creative initiatives aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of artists.
The assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, during the grand finale and prize presentation of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Describing the competition as one of the state’s flagship programmes, Oyekan-Ismaila said the initiative was created to identify, develop and showcase the creative potential of students across Lagos.
According to her, the event celebrated creativity, innovation, culture and the limitless talents of young Lagosians while reinforcing the state’s position as Nigeria’s creative and cultural hub.
She explained that the competition was built on the belief that creativity begins in the classroom and that every child deserves an opportunity to express their talent, tell meaningful stories and contribute to society through the arts.
Oyekan-Ismaila disclosed that 489 participants registered for this year’s edition, with 132 entries received from schools across the five divisions of Lagos State as well as tertiary institutions.
The competition featured categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art and upcycling.
She noted that this year’s theme, “This is Lagos,” challenged participants to creatively interpret the state’s identity, heritage, resilience, innovation and cultural diversity.
According to the permanent secretary, the artworks reflected Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability.
She praised the participants for demonstrating creativity and vision, stressing that the creative industry has evolved into a major contributor to economic growth, innovation, employment and global recognition.
Encouraging the winners, Oyekan-Ismaila urged them to continue developing their talents and telling the Lagos story through their artworks.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting arts education through skills development, mentorship programmes and strategic partnerships with educational institutions, industry professionals and the private sector.
In the tertiary category, Goodness Popoola, a 400-level student of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), emerged overall winner. Abdul Rahman Saheed of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) finished second, while Aina Samuel of LASUED secured third place.
Ajayi Pascal Maugbe of Methodist Senior High School, Badagry, won the senior secondary category, ahead of Makinde Opeyemi Abraham of Millennium Senior Secondary School and Akinola Oluwatobi of Sango Senior Secondary School.
In the junior secondary category, Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi of Clegg Girls Junior High School claimed first place, while Esther Oluwalonimi of Ikotun Junior High School and Khadijat Saheed of Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo, finished second and third respectively.
One of the competition’s judges, renowned artist Fola David, commended the participants, describing the contest as an important platform for young creatives to showcase their artistic abilities and unlock their potential.
The Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbi, also praised the initiative, saying it has created opportunities for students to display their artistic talents.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, senior secondary champion Ajayi Pascal Maugbe thanked the Lagos State Government for organising the competition.
He said the theme inspired him to look beyond the city’s traffic and towering buildings to portray the resilience of market women, the vibrancy of Lagos festivals, the determination of young people and the hope that defines everyday life in the state.
The 2026 edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition further reinforced Lagos State’s vision of positioning creativity and innovation as key pillars of youth development and sustainable economic growth.
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