Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, revealed that it has spent the sum of ₦8,475,238,265.00 on various cultural events and festivals in the last year, aimed at boosting the discovery of local talents, job creation opportunities, among others.
Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this on Wednesday at the 2025 annual Ministerial briefing, commemorating the second year in the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, held at Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, “The Ministry, through the Creative Arts Department, has sponsored over 143 festivals, events, and programmes from May 2024 to date, with approximately ₦8,475,238,265.00 only.
“In addition, the ministry has issued endorsement letters to over 124 creative stakeholders to support their efforts in seeking sponsorship for their various initiatives.
“This robust investment reflects the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading arts, culture, and entertainment hub.
“The supported initiatives span community festivals, cultural showcases, entertainment events, fashion weeks, art exhibitions, industry engagements, youth empowerment platforms, and global tourism summits.
“Each initiative contributes significantly to cultural preservation, economic stimulation, job creation, tourism inflow, and global media visibility—reinforcing Lagos’s brand as a dynamic creative capital and one of the continent’s most vibrant cultural destinations.”
She listed some of the supported events and festivals, including the Brazilian Descendant Arts & Culture Association (BDACA), Lagos Shopping Festival, Twin Fest Africana, Groove and Food Festival, Nigeria Soup Festival, TM Perfume Launch, Sango World Festival, Kenny Saint Ogungbe Concert, Ede Mi Asa Mi Festival, and Africa Fashion Designers Award.
“Through this impactful portfolio of investments and partnerships, the ministry continues to drive the growth of the creative economy, empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote heritage, and expand Lagos’s global footprint as a thriving tourism and cultural capital,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.
