By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on creatives and storytellers in the state to remain resilient, innovative and collaborative as efforts intensify to grow Lagos’ creative economy.
The governor made the call on Tuesday at the Lens for Good 2026 Storytellers’ Conference, themed “Stories That Move Us,” held at the Wole Soyinka Centre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a city defined by energy, resilience and creativity, noting that the state and Nigeria are filled with talented individuals waiting to be discovered.
He stressed that perseverance and the ability to push through difficult moments are central to the Lagos identity.
He warned against complacency in a highly competitive environment, noting that failure to innovate or improve creates room for others to take the lead.
According to him, creatives must consistently challenge themselves and pursue originality to remain relevant.
The governor also acknowledged concerns about trust between government and the creative community, describing trust-building as a gradual process that requires consistency in policies and sustained engagement.
He said government must demonstrate sincerity by providing an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure and clear direction.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the relationship between government and creatives should be viewed as a partnership, adding that government does not have all the answers and must remain open to being guided and challenged by industry stakeholders.
He identified complacency as a major threat to the growth of the creative industry in Lagos, urging practitioners to set higher goals, pursue continuous self-improvement and learn from past experiences to achieve better outcomes.
The governor said the vision for Lagos is to become a leading global city that offers opportunities, a high quality of life and a thriving creative industry. He added that Lagos aims to serve as a benchmark for other cities, where success in the state reflects the ability to compete anywhere in the world.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, sustained engagement and continuous improvement to ensure Lagos remains a city where creativity can thrive and opportunities are accessible to all residents.