The Lagos State government has intensified efforts to position the state as Africa's leading tourism, entertainment, and creative economy hub through strategic investments in cultural festivals, heritage preservation, tourism infrastructure, and international collaborations aimed at driving economic growth and global visibility.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 2026 ministerial press briefing to mark the third year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the administration had continued to leverage tourism, arts, entertainment, and culture as strategic tools for socio-economic development under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the 'Entertainment and Tourism' pillar.
The commissioner added that Lagos recorded major milestones within the last year through landmark festivals, creative industry expansion, tourism-driven engagements, and heritage conservation initiatives that further strengthened the state's reputation as Africa's entertainment and tourism capital.
Revival of Iconic Festivals
Among the major highlights was the revival of the iconic Eyo Festival after a decade-long break. The 73rd Adamu Orisha Play, held on December 27, 2025, honoured late prominent Lagos personalities including former Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibatu Mogaji; former Military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; former Governor Lateef Jakande; and former Governor Michael Otedola. She described the festival as both a cultural and economic success, noting that it boosted tourism activities, hospitality businesses, indigenous fashion, local artisanship, and entertainment across the state.
The commissioner also highlighted the successful hosting of the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, which attracted more than 40,000 participants, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the world. She explained that the carnival celebrated the Afro-Brazilian heritage of Lagos Island descendants through colourful parades, samba-inspired performances, capoeira displays, theatrical showcases, and heritage exhibitions. She added that the event further strengthened Lagos' reputation as a global cultural destination while promoting diaspora tourism, international cultural exchange, and investment opportunities within the creative sector.
Creative Economy Expansion
In further consolidating Lagos' position as Africa's creative capital, the state also hosted the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, which featured the African Music Business Summit, African Music Village concert, and global awards ceremony. She noted that the event brought together artists, policymakers, and music industry executives from across the continent, reinforcing Lagos' strategic role within Africa's growing creative economy.
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry supported over 201 cultural events, festivals, and creative programmes within the review period, compared to 143 initiatives supported in the previous year. She added that more than 159 endorsement letters were issued to creative stakeholders to facilitate partnerships, sponsorships, and project execution. Some of the supported initiatives included Lagos Fashion Week, Headies Awards, Lagos International Jazz Festival, Lagos Cocktail Week, Africa Fashion Designers Award, Lagos Street Art Festival, student tourism programmes, and several indigenous festivals across the state.
Infrastructure and Heritage Preservation
On tourism infrastructure and heritage preservation, Benson-Awoyinka said the government had intensified monument development and museum management projects across Lagos. She listed newly unveiled monuments to include the Eyo Statue at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, the head bust of late Ndubuisi Kanu at Alausa, the Bronze Boy Statue, and the Resilient Youth Corps sculptural installation. Several other projects, according to her, are ongoing, including statues of former Governor Lateef Jakande and Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, the restoration of the historic Ejinrin First Post Office in Epe, and the Badagry Slave Route development project.
She further disclosed that solar-powered backup systems had been installed at the Badagry Heritage Museum, Vlekete Slave Market Museum, and Badagry Information Centre to improve sustainability and visitor experience. The commissioner also announced that the Lagos Theatre in Oregun was undergoing extensive reconstruction and modernization to transform it into a world-class performing arts and cultural centre.
International Engagements and Recognition
Speaking on international engagements, Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos participated in the African Marketplace Dubai 2025 and also joined global celebrations following the posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. She said the recognition further elevated Lagos' global cultural relevance as the birthplace of Afrobeat music.
The commissioner also highlighted Lagos' historic hosting of Africa's first all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Lagos GP, held on Five Cowrie Creek in October 2025. She described the sporting event as a major breakthrough in sports tourism, blue economy development, and sustainable innovation, adding that it placed Lagos alongside global host cities such as Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah.
Hospitality Sector Reforms
On the hospitality sector, Benson-Awoyinka said the ministry had commenced reforms aimed at harmonising tourism licensing laws, permits, and regulatory charges to eliminate duplication and improve ease of doing business. She disclosed that more than 500 hospitality and tourism establishments had so far been enumerated under an ongoing state-wide registration and licensing exercise.
The commissioner further revealed that the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History recently won the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award for a Historic Centre at the 32nd Annual Thea Awards in Orlando, Florida, United States. She described the recognition as global validation of Lagos' commitment to cultural innovation, immersive storytelling, and heritage preservation.
Creative Industry Development
On creative industry development, Benson-Awoyinka stated that over 10,000 young creatives had benefited from capacity-building initiatives implemented through the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board in partnership with Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, GIDI Creative Academy, and the African Film Academy. She added that the board also issued more than 2,000 filming permits to production companies and filmmakers operating within Lagos State.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government's commitment to deepening tourism development, cultural preservation, and creative industry growth as critical pillars for economic diversification and sustainable development. She expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, stakeholders, and industry practitioners for their continued support towards transforming Lagos into a globally competitive tourism and creative economy destination.
