Lagos Culture and Tourism received a major boost as the Lagos State Government announced a strategic investment of N8.4 billion to support over 140 cultural festivals, creative programmes, and tourism events between May 2024 and May 2025.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on May 28 during the ongoing ministerial press briefing, held to commemorate the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
As reported by The Guardian, Benson-Awoyinka stated that the funds were directed through the ministry’s Creative Arts Department to support diverse activities, including music concerts, film and fashion events, art exhibitions, food and cultural festivals, and industry empowerment initiatives.
She said the goal is to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and amplify Lagos’s cultural influence on the global stage.
“This robust investment reflects our unwavering commitment to cementing Lagos’s position as the heartbeat of creativity and culture in Africa.
“From local community festivals to internationally recognised showcases, every supported initiative contributes meaningfully to heritage preservation, youth development, tourism growth, and global visibility for Lagos,” she added.
The commissioner also highlighted that the ministry issued 124 endorsement letters to creative stakeholders to help them obtain corporate sponsorships and partnerships, emphasising these endorsements’ crucial role in attracting private sector investment in cultural projects.
The Ministry supports several high-profile events, including Felabration, Lagos Fashion Week, World Tourism Day, Africa Fashion Week London, Queen Moremi the Musical, Eyo Mini Parade, Naija Native Fest, Afrofood & Drinks Festival, and the World Travel Market.
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The commissioner highlighted that these events were cultural showcases and served as platforms for job creation, youth empowerment, and international tourism engagement.
“Our investments are strategic, targeted, and inclusive—covering everything from children’s art programmes to physically challenged fashion shows and indigenous music concerts,” she noted.
Benson-Awoyinka emphasised that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains determined to strengthen the cultural economy through collaborative partnerships with local artists, creative entrepreneurs, and global tourism organisations.
“The ministry will continue to harness the transformative power of arts and culture to drive innovation, economic resilience, and social harmony,” she assured.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How much did the Lagos State government invest in cultural and tourism events?
The Lagos State government invested N8.4 billion in over 140 cultural festivals, creative programmes, and tourism events.
What period does this investment cover?
This investment covers the period between May 2024 and May 2025.
Who announced this investment?
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, announced this investment.
What are some of the types of events being supported?
The supported events include music concerts, film and fashion events, art exhibitions, food and cultural festivals, and industry empowerment platforms.
What are the goals of this investment?
The goals are to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and amplify Lagos’s cultural influence on the global stage.
Did the government only provide financial support?
No. In addition to financial sponsorships, the ministry also issued 124 endorsement letters to help creative stakeholders secure corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
Can you name some of the high-profile events that were supported?
Some of the supported high-profile events include Felabration, Lagos Fashion Week, World Tourism Day, and Queen Moremi the Musical.
