The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has officially launched the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2026, themed “This Is Lagos!”, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and the growth of the creative economy.
Eko Hot News reports that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, made the announcement during a press conference held at Alausa in Ikeja, describing the initiative as a strategic platform to discover, nurture, and showcase the creative potential of young people across the state.
She noted that the competition aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on entertainment and tourism as key drivers of economic growth.
Reflecting on the maiden edition, Oyekan-Ismaila revealed that over 150 entries were received from students across secondary and tertiary institutions in Lagos, with nine outstanding winners emerging across different categories and receiving scholarships and exposure.
According to her, the success of the first edition demonstrated the abundance of creative talent in Lagos, adding that the 2026 edition will be expanded to include structured mentorship from industry professionals, broader industry collaboration, internship opportunities, and increased visibility for participants.
She explained that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world creative enterprise, equipping young participants with relevant skills while promoting Lagos’ cultural heritage.
The Permanent Secretary urged school administrators, parents, and guardians to encourage participation, noting that the programme is aimed at grooming the next generation of artists, innovators, and cultural ambassadors.
Registration for the competition is now open via the official portal and will run from May 4 to May 25, 2026.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the creative sector, she stressed that fostering creativity will drive innovation and economic growth, expressing confidence that this year’s edition will be bigger, more inclusive, and globally impactful.
