- Lagos Celebrates Young Talents as Eko Schools Arts Competition Rewards Winners
- 489 Students Participate
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The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting creativity and strengthening arts education as part of efforts to empower young talents across the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, during the grand finale and prize presentation of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
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Speaking at the event, Oyekan-Ismaila described the competition as a flagship initiative created to discover, nurture and showcase the creative potential of students across Lagos.
She said the competition, themed “This is Lagos,” challenged participants to creatively interpret the state’s identity, cultural heritage, resilience, innovation and diversity.
According to her, the initiative reflects the government’s belief that creativity begins in the classroom and that every child deserves a platform to express talent and contribute meaningfully to society through the arts.
“As Nigeria’s creative and cultural capital, Lagos remains committed to promoting artistic excellence and empowering the next generation of creatives,” she said.
Oyekan-Ismaila disclosed that 489 participants registered for the competition, while 132 entries were received from schools across the state’s five educational divisions and tertiary institutions.
The competition featured categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art and upcycling.
She noted that the entries highlighted Lagos’ vibrant communities, entrepreneurial spirit, cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability.
“The outstanding artworks demonstrated that our young people not only appreciate our cultural values but also possess the creativity and vision needed to shape a brighter future,” she added.
The permanent secretary stressed that the creative industry has become a major driver of economic growth, innovation, employment and global recognition, urging participants to continue developing their talents.
She also assured that the Lagos State Government would continue investing in arts education, skills development, mentorship programmes and partnerships with educational institutions, industry professionals and the private sector to provide more opportunities for young creatives.
In the tertiary category, Goodness Popoola, a 400-level student of the Lagos State University of Education, emerged overall winner. Abdul Rahman Saheed, a 300-level student of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, finished second, while Aina Samuel, also of LASUED, placed third.
In the senior secondary school category, Ajayi Pascal Maugbe of Methodist Senior High School, Badagry, won first place. Makinde Opeyemi Abraham of Millennium Senior Secondary School came second, while Akinola Oluwatobi of Sango Senior Secondary School finished third.
The junior secondary category was won by Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi of Clegg Girls Junior High School. Esther Oluwalonimi of Ikotun Junior High School emerged first runner-up, while Khadijat Saheed of Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo, came third.
One of the competition’s judges, Fola David, praised the participants for showcasing remarkable creativity, describing the competition as an important platform for discovering and developing young artistic talents.
Representing the Lagos State Head of Service, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbi, also commended the initiative, saying it had provided students with a valuable opportunity to display their artistic abilities.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Maugbe thanked the Lagos State Government for organising the competition, saying the theme inspired him to see Lagos beyond its traffic and skyscrapers by appreciating its resilient people, colourful festivals, hardworking residents and enduring spirit.
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