The Lagos state government has disclosed that it spent over N8.47 billion to sponsor more than 143 festivals and cultural events across the state in the last year, as part of strategic efforts to position the state as Africa’s premier hub for arts, tourism, and cultural enterprise.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in commemoration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office for his second term.
According to the Commissioner, the state’s massive investment in festivals and cultural showcases is already yielding results in economic stimulation, job creation, and global media visibility.
She said, “Through the ministry, the Creative Arts Department sponsored the festivals with the sum of approximately N8,475,238,265. This robust investment reflects the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to positioning Lagos as the leading hub for arts, culture, and entertainment in Africa.”
Benson-Awoyinka noted that the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, as well as the Lagos State Films and Videos Censors Board, have worked in synergy with the ministry to deliver on its mandate.
“Over the past year, we have expanded our reach, deepened strategic partnerships both locally and internationally, and delivered impactful initiatives that not only showcase the beauty and diversity of Lagos but also empower our youth and creative entrepreneurs,” she stated.
The Commissioner highlighted that the sponsored festivals and events, including the Fanti Carnival, Africa Fashion Designers Award, Kurunmi Stage Play, and the Badagry International Film Festival, were curated not just to entertain, but to preserve heritage and stimulate the local economy. She emphasised the alignment of these efforts with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its fifth pillar, which targets the development of entertainment and tourism.
She revealed that over 124 creative stakeholders were issued endorsement letters by the ministry in the past year to aid them in securing sponsorships for their cultural initiatives.
“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,” Benson-Awoyinka added.
As part of its broader cultural preservation efforts, she said the government has restored 11 out of 30 identified heritage monuments and has commenced the reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
She also highlighted the international dimension of the ministry’s work, referencing the November 2024 launch of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which attracted global dignitaries, including Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and American cultural envoys.
“Lagos is increasingly on the global map. From hosting BBC Studios executives to meeting with CNN’s Richard Quest and Global Tourism Head Zara Driss at the World Travel Market in London, our message is clear,” she said.
On youth empowerment, the commissioner revealed that over 10,000 young creatives have received professional training in animation, screenwriting, film production, and sound design through partnerships with leading creative academies like Del-York, EbonyLife, and the African Film Academy.
The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, she added, has issued over 1,100 permits to filmmakers, while actively engaging in digital content regulation to maintain industry standards.
Among the state’s most high-profile tourism events was the 2024 Greater Lagos Fiesta, which featured headliners like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage across all five divisions of the state. Additionally, the Lagos Shopping Festival, held at Onikan Stadium, drew over 50,000 visitors and featured more than 400 vendors, a testament to the integration of commerce and cultural experiences.
“Lagos is not just a destination. It is a cultural awakening. The Fanti Carnival is an invitation to become part of a living history that dances, sings and celebrates resilience,” she said.
Benson-Awoyinka also underlined the state’s growing international reputation, noting recognitions such as her own Special Recognition Award in San Francisco for visionary leadership, and a Headies Award given to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support of the creative sector.
She concluded by announcing a strategic partnership with BBC Studios to elevate Lagos storytelling and expand its footprint in global media, while hinting at further ambitions for the Lagos Shopping Festival to become a permanent fixture on the international retail tourism calendar.
“This partnership with the BBC is part of our larger vision to position Lagos as Africa’s storytelling capital, attracting both visitors and investors through the power of culture, media, and tourism. I am personally committed to ensuring that Lagos is not only seen but also understood for the richness of its heritage and the brilliance of its people,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described the ministry as a strategic arm of government.
“We feel this ministry, and wherever the ministry moves, Lagos moves. This ministry has revived culture and tourism to the benefit of Lagos, Nigeria, and the Black race,” he said.
