By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new initiative, tagged Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing creative talents in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to her, registration for the maiden edition opened on September 11, through the portal https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com, and will close on September 18.
The competition itself is scheduled to run between September 18 and October 2.
Marshal explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved scholarship awards for winners of the competition, noting that the programme was part of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda under its Entertainment and Tourism pillar.
He said: “This competition has been carefully designed to discover, nurture, and showcase the immense talent that exists in our schools.
“We recognise that within our classrooms are young artists, sculptors, and creative thinkers whose gifts must be encouraged, refined, and projected to the world.”
She added that the initiative would also foster creativity, encourage entrepreneurship, promote cultural heritage, and develop skills that could drive sustainable economic growth.
Marshal urged school administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians to motivate their students and wards to register, stressing that beyond recognition, winners would gain access to mentorship, exhibitions, and possible industry partnerships.
She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for what she described as his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, arts promotion, and tourism development in Lagos State.