The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the state’s creative economy with the successful hosting of the Eko Creative Summit 2026, a youth-focused initiative designed to empower emerging talents with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the creative industry.
Eko Hot News reports that the summit, organised in collaboration with Rhoda Johnson Media (RJM), was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, attracting young creatives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators, industry leaders and other key stakeholders from across the creative and cultural sectors.
The event served as a platform for learning, innovation, networking and mentorship, equipping participants with practical knowledge, professional connections and business insights required to build sustainable careers within Lagos State’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC), Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosumu, reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to positioning the creative industry as a major driver of economic growth, youth empowerment, tourism development, innovation and job creation.
He encouraged participants to maximise opportunities within the creative ecosystem by continuously improving their skills, embracing innovation and building strategic partnerships that would enable them to compete successfully in both local and international markets.
According to him, the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to supporting initiatives that unlock the immense potential of young creative professionals while strengthening Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading creative hub.
In his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, expressed appreciation to all partners, speakers, stakeholders and participants for supporting the vision behind the Eko Creative Summit.
He described the summit as a strategic initiative aimed at nurturing creativity, promoting entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment where young talents can transform their passion into profitable and globally competitive enterprises.
Also speaking during one of the panel sessions, the Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Busola Odedina, highlighted several initiatives introduced by the Lagos State Government to support the growth of the creative and cultural industries.
She urged aspiring creatives to take advantage of available government programmes, capacity-building opportunities, strategic partnerships and innovation platforms established to enhance their professional development and increase their visibility within the global creative industry.
Dr. Odedina further encouraged participants to remain committed to continuous learning and skills development, stressing that creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship remain key drivers of success in today’s competitive marketplace.
One of the major highlights of the summit was a series of four interactive panel discussions featuring accomplished professionals and industry leaders who shared practical experiences and expert insights on building successful careers in the creative sector.
The sessions explored critical topics including career development, personal branding, media and public relations, music and entertainment, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, business sustainability, collaboration and strategies for succeeding in the modern creative economy.
Each panel session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, giving participants the opportunity to interact directly with industry experts, seek professional guidance and gain practical solutions to challenges facing emerging creatives.
The Eko Creative Summit 2026 underscored the Lagos State Government’s continued investment in the creative and cultural industries as a strategic sector for economic diversification, youth employment and sustainable development, while reinforcing its vision of making Lagos Africa’s leading destination for creativity, innovation and cultural excellence.
