- Lagos Intensifies Push to Become Africa’s Tourism, Creative Economy Capital
- Highlights Major Gains in Tourism, Entertainment, Creative Industry
- Says Over 10,000 Young Creatives Trained Under Industry Programmes
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to position the state as Africa’s leading tourism, entertainment and creative economy hub through strategic investments in festivals, heritage preservation, tourism infrastructure and international collaborations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2026 ministerial press briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second-term administration.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Education Reforms More Important Than Roads, Airports – Chidoka
- Why Mudashiru Obasa Remains One of Lagos’ Most Calculated Politicians
- Nigeria Needs Attack Helicopters Urgently – Tinubu
According to her, the state has continued to leverage tourism, arts, entertainment and culture as major drivers of socio-economic development under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the entertainment and tourism pillar.
Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos recorded major milestones within the past year through cultural festivals, creative industry expansion, tourism-driven engagements and heritage conservation projects aimed at strengthening the state’s reputation as Africa’s entertainment and tourism capital.
One of the key highlights, she noted, was the return of the iconic Eyo Festival after a 10-year break.
The 73rd Adamu Orisha Play, held on December 27, 2025, honoured notable Lagos figures including Chief Abibatu Mogaji, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.
The commissioner described the event as both a cultural and economic success that boosted tourism, hospitality, indigenous fashion, local artisanship and entertainment businesses across the state.
She also highlighted the successful hosting of the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival at Tafawa Balewa Square, which attracted over 40,000 tourists, cultural enthusiasts and participants from around the world.
According to her, the carnival celebrated the Afro-Brazilian heritage of Lagos Island descendants through colourful parades, samba-inspired performances, theatrical displays and cultural exhibitions.
The commissioner further stated that Lagos hosted the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, which featured the African Music Business Summit, African Music Village concert and global awards ceremony.
She explained that the event reinforced Lagos’ strategic position within Africa’s growing creative economy by bringing together artists, policymakers and music executives from across the continent.
Benson-Awoyinka revealed that the ministry supported more than 201 cultural events, festivals and creative programmes during the review period, compared to 143 supported in the previous year.
The supported initiatives included Lagos Fashion Week, Headies Awards, Lagos International Jazz Festival, Lagos Cocktail Week, Africa Fashion Designers Award and Lagos Street Art Festival.
On tourism infrastructure and heritage preservation, she said the government unveiled several monuments, including the Eyo Statue at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, the Ndubuisi Kanu head bust at Alausa, the Bronze Boy Statue and the Resilient Youth Corps sculptural installation.
She added that ongoing projects include statues of Lateef Jakande and Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, restoration of the historic Ejinrin First Post Office in Epe and the Badagry Slave Route development project.
According to the commissioner, solar-powered backup systems have also been installed at the Badagry Heritage Museum, Vlekete Slave Market Museum and Badagry Information Centre to improve sustainability and visitor experience.
Benson-Awoyinka also announced that the Lagos Theatre in Oregun is currently undergoing major reconstruction to transform it into a world-class performing arts and cultural centre.
On international engagements, she said Lagos participated in African Marketplace Dubai 2025 and joined global celebrations following the posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award given to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
The commissioner noted that Lagos also hosted Africa’s first all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Lagos GP, at Five Cowrie Creek in October 2025, describing it as a major breakthrough in sports tourism and blue economy development.
She disclosed that over 500 hospitality and tourism establishments had so far been enumerated under an ongoing state-wide registration and licensing exercise.
Benson-Awoyinka further revealed that the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History recently won the Outstanding Achievement Award for a Historic Centre at the 32nd Annual Thea Awards in Orlando, Florida.
On creative industry development, she said over 10,000 young creatives had benefited from training programmes implemented through partnerships with Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, GIDI Creative Academy and the African Film Academy.
She added that more than 2,000 filming permits were also issued to production companies and filmmakers operating within Lagos.
FURTHER READING
- Tinubu To Open 2026 International Civil Service Conference
- Over 20 ISWAP Fighters Eliminated In Coordinated Air Raid – DHQ
- Lagos Govt Cautions Residents Against ‘Ata Esha’ Consumption
Click here to watch video of the week
