The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with Eye Culture, has hosted Àṣà Mi: My Culture, My Identity, a children-focused cultural programme aimed at reconnecting young Lagosians with their heritage.
Eko Hot News reports that the programme was held at Juicy Lagos on Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, bringing together children for an interactive experience centred on Lagos culture, creativity and identity.
The initiative was designed to help children understand and appreciate the traditions, values and history that shape Lagos.
It also seeks to encourage the younger generation to take an active role in preserving the State’s cultural heritage.
The programme aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Development Agenda, particularly its focus on Entertainment and Tourism.
Through practical activities, participants were introduced to different creative skills connected to Nigerian and Lagos cultural traditions.
The children took part in sewing and crafts, art and craft displays, hairstyling and tie-and-dye sessions.
The hands-on activities provided participants with opportunities to learn while gaining a deeper appreciation of their cultural background.
The programme also demonstrated how cultural education can be combined with practical skills development for young people.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, highlighted the importance of involving children in cultural preservation.
Aregbe said cultural heritage could only remain relevant when younger generations are deliberately introduced to and encouraged to appreciate it.
He explained that the programme reflects the commitment of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration to developing citizens who understand and value the identity of Lagos.
According to him, promoting culture among children would help ensure that important traditions are not lost over time.
Aregbe described Àṣà Mi as an important platform for helping children understand their cultural roots.
He said the programme would encourage them to appreciate their heritage and develop a stronger sense of responsibility.
The Special Adviser also expressed concern about the growing distance between some young people and their cultural backgrounds.
He stressed the need to engage children early and provide opportunities for them to learn about their traditions.
Aregbe said reconnecting young people with their heritage could contribute to positive social development.
He added that children should be guided to understand the values that define their communities and society.
The initiative goes beyond cultural awareness by introducing participants to skills that could become useful in the future.
Sewing, crafts, hairstyling, art and tie-and-dye are among the creative areas explored during the programme.
Such activities can provide children with opportunities to discover their interests while learning about traditional forms of creativity.
The organisers also used the programme to demonstrate that cultural education can be enjoyable and interactive.
Rather than relying solely on classroom-based learning, the children were encouraged to participate directly in cultural and creative activities.
The approach allowed participants to experience different aspects of heritage through practical engagement.
Aregbe commended Eye Culture for collaborating with the Ministry to organise the initiative.
He said partnerships with private organisations and other stakeholders remain important to expanding cultural awareness programmes across Lagos.
The Special Adviser reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that promote culture, creativity and youth development.
He said Lagos Tourism would continue to support programmes that keep the State’s cultural heritage relevant to younger generations.
The event attracted officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, representatives of Eye Culture, partner organisations and participating children.
The young participants actively engaged in the various activities throughout the programme.
Their participation reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for children to interact with their heritage from an early age.
The Lagos State Government said cultural consciousness among children remains important to the long-term preservation of the State’s identity.
It noted that exposing young people to traditions and creative practices can help create future custodians of Lagos culture.
The programme also highlights the connection between culture and tourism development.
Children who understand their heritage may become more interested in promoting local traditions, creative expressions and cultural attractions.
This could contribute to the wider development of Lagos as a destination for cultural tourism.
The State Government is therefore expected to continue exploring initiatives that combine cultural education with creative and practical learning.
Such programmes can also provide platforms for young people to develop confidence and discover their creative abilities.
For Lagos, preserving cultural identity requires sustained involvement from families, schools, communities, government and private organisations.
The Àṣà Mi programme provides one example of how these efforts can be introduced through child-friendly activities.
It also reinforces the message that cultural preservation should begin early.
The Ministry maintained that children are central to the future of Lagos’ cultural heritage.
By exposing them to traditions and values today, the government hopes to create a generation that understands and appreciates the identity of the State.
The organisers expressed confidence that continued cultural engagement would help strengthen the connection between young Lagosians and their heritage.
The Lagos State Government consequently reaffirmed its commitment to developing more youth-focused cultural programmes.
The initiatives are expected to support cultural awareness, creativity and skills development among children across the State.
Through programmes such as Àṣà Mi, Lagos is seeking to ensure that its rich cultural heritage remains relevant and appreciated by future generations.
