Lagos revives cultural heritage, backs 201 creative projects in tourism push

The Lagos State Government says it is positioning the state as Africa’s leading tourism and creative hub, reviving iconic cultural festivals, supporting over 201 creative initiatives, and attracting global recognition for its heritage institutions.

Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, who stated this on Wednesday, to mark the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office, said her ministry recorded major milestones in culture, entertainment, hospitality, and tourism over the past year in line with the THEMES+ Agenda of the administration.

One of the highlights was the revival of the historic Eyo Festival after a decade-long hiatus. The 73rd Adamu Orisha Play held on December 27, 2025, honoured late elder statespersons, including Chief Abibatu Mogaji, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Sir Michael Otedola.

The commissioner also disclosed that the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival attracted more than 40,000 participants and spectators at Tafawa Balewa Square, celebrating Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian heritage through music, dance, fashion, and theatrical displays.

According to her, Lagos further strengthened its position as Africa’s creative capital by hosting the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which featured an African Music Business Summit, concerts, and a globally broadcast awards ceremony.

Benson-Awoyinka revealed that the Ministry sponsored 201 festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural programmes within the review period, up from 143 supported events in the previous year. It also issued 159 endorsement letters to creative stakeholders to boost access to sponsorship and partnerships.

She added that Lagos’ heritage and tourism assets continued to gain international visibility, noting that the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History recently won the prestigious Thea Award in Orlando, Florida, for excellence in immersive cultural storytelling.

The ministry also embarked on monument and museum preservation projects, including the installation of the Eyo Statue at the J. Randle Centre, the Ndubuisi Kanu bust in Alausa, and the ongoing construction of statues honouring former Governor Lateef Jakande and Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

On tourism statistics, the commissioner disclosed that the J. Randle Centre recorded 56,040 visitors, while Freedom Park welcomed 27,593 visitors, and the Badagry Heritage Museum attracted 10,908 visitors.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to using culture, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality as tools for economic growth, youth empowerment, and global visibility for Lagos State.