The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the entertainment, creative economy, and hospitality sectors, pledging deeper investments to further position the state as Africa’s leading creative hub.
Eko Hot News reports that the assurance was given at the African Music Business Summit held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities marking the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards.
The summit brought together key stakeholders from the African and global music industry, policymakers, institutions, and creatives to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s music business ecosystem and boosting global competitiveness.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, outlined Lagos State’s policy direction and expanding financial commitment to the creative economy.
She disclosed that the state spent ₦8.4 billion in the last financial year supporting the creative sector through concerts, training programmes, capacity building, and production support across music, film, and related industries.
According to the Commissioner, government funding for the sector has increased from ₦3.8 billion before 2023 to ₦18 billion, with projections nearing ₦40 billion, reflecting the sector’s growing economic importance.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka announced plans for a Lagos Talent Hunt initiative designed to discover and nurture emerging creatives across the state.
She revealed that government-owned theatres will be converted into cinemas and music studios, giving young artists free access to professional recording and production facilities.
The Commissioner stressed that the state operates an open-door policy, encouraging creatives to submit proposals, collaborate with government, and participate in policy discussions shaping the industry.
She added that Lagos has supported over 140 creative projects, hosted large-scale free public events attended by more than 100,000 residents, and continues to deploy the creative economy for youth empowerment and economic growth.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to producing globally competitive creative talent from Lagos state.
She urged creatives to engage the Ministry through official platforms and leverage available funding and development opportunities.
