The Lagos State Government has celebrated outstanding young artists at the grand finale of the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing creativity and developing the state’s creative economy.
Eko Hot News reports that the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture hosted the Grand Finale and Scholarship Prize Presentation Ceremony for secondary school and tertiary institution students. The competition was designed to discover, nurture, and showcase emerging creative talents across Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismail, described the ceremony as more than the conclusion of a competition. She said it was a celebration of creativity, innovation, culture, and the limitless potential of young Lagosians.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismail disclosed that the 2026 edition recorded impressive participation, with 489 students registering for the competition and 132 creative entries submitted from schools across the five divisions of Lagos State and selected tertiary institutions.
She explained that contestants competed in several creative categories, including painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art, and upcycling, reflecting the diverse talents of young artists in Lagos.
The competition was held under the theme “This Is Lagos,” challenging participants to creatively interpret the state’s identity, culture, resilience, innovation, diversity, and rich heritage through their artworks.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the artworks displayed during the grand finale reflected the vibrant spirit of Lagos. She noted that many of the entries highlighted the state’s entrepreneurial culture, dynamic communities, and commitment to sustainability.
Following a rigorous assessment by an independent panel of judges, Goodness Popoola of Lagos State University of Education emerged as the overall winner in the tertiary category. Abdul Rahman Saheed of Lagos State University of Science and Technology finished second, while Boton Aina Samuel of Lagos State University of Education secured third place.
In the Senior Secondary School category, Ajayi Pascal Maugbe of Methodist Senior High School claimed first position. Makinde Opeyemi Abraham of Millennium Senior Secondary School finished second, while Akinola Oluwatobi of Sango Senior Secondary School placed third.
For the Junior Secondary School category, Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi of Clegg Girls Junior High School emerged winner. Orungbamila Oluwalonimi Esther of Ikotun Junior High School secured second place, while Saheed Khadijat Remilekun of Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo, finished third.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismail congratulated all participants, stating that every artwork reflected imagination, dedication, and passion. She encouraged students to continue developing their talents regardless of the competition’s outcome.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy through arts education, mentorship programmes, skills development, and platforms that empower young people to express their creativity.
She also recognised Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, former Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, for initiating the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, which continues to provide opportunities for young creative talents.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismail further appreciated the judges for ensuring a transparent selection process. She also commended school administrators, teachers, parents, sponsors, and partners for supporting the development of young artists across Lagos.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of scholarship prizes and awards to the winners. The Ministry also renewed its commitment to partnering with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to provide more opportunities for young creatives to thrive.
The Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition continues to reinforce Lagos State’s vision of building a vibrant creative industry by investing in young talents, promoting innovation, and preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage through education and artistic excellence.
