The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it spent N8.5 billion to sponsor over 143 festivals and events in the last one year.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office for second term.
Benson-Awoyinka said this was aimed at reshaping the creative and tourism landscape of the state.
“Through the ministry, the Creative Arts Department sponsored the festival with the sum of approximately N8,475,238,265 billion.
“The ministry stands as a key driver in shaping the creative and tourism landscape, tasked with developing, implementing and promoting policies that unlock the full potential of the state’s vibrant culture, rich heritage and thriving hospitality sector.”
She said that the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and Lagos State Films and Videos Censors Board complemented the efforts of the ministry in fulfilling its mandates.
“Over the past year, we have expanded our reach, deepened strategic partnerships both locally and internationally, and delivered impactful initiatives that not only showcase the beauty and diversity of Lagos but also empower our youth and creative entrepreneurs.
“Today, I am proud to present the key achievements and milestones recorded by the ministry in the last 12 months, proof of this administration’s unwavering commitment to making Lagos the creative and tourism capital of Africa,” she said.
Highlighting the government’s impactful achievements, Benson-Awoyinka said that the ministry continued to prioritise regular engagement with key stakeholders to assess the state of the tourism sector.
She said it also explored viable avenues for governmental intervention.
According to her, the ministry also issued endorsement letters to over 124 creative stakeholders to support their efforts in seeking sponsorship for their various initiatives.
She added: “This robust investment reflects the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to positioning Lagos as the leading hub for arts, culture, and entertainment in Africa.
“The supported initiatives span community festivals, cultural showcases, entertainment events, fashion weeks, art exhibitions, industry engagements, youth empowerment platforms, and global tourism summits.
“Each initiative contributes significantly to cultural preservation, economic stimulation, job creation, tourism inflow, and global media visibility reinforcing Lagos’s brand as a dynamic creative capital and one of the continent’s most vibrant cultural destinations,” she said.
She listed sponsored events, programmes and festivals which include, Brazilian Descendant Arts & Culture Association (BDACA), Lagos Shopping Festival, Twin Fest Africana, Groove and Food Festival, Nigeria Soup Festival, TM Perfume Launch and Sango World Festival.
Others include Kenny Saint Ogungbe Concert, Go Culture, Ede Mi Asa Mi Festival, Africa Fashion Designers Award, NCCH Adire & Food Festival, Wear Nigeria Fashion Exhibition, Night of Tribute for Late Dejumo Lewis, Kurunmi: The Stage Play and Inter-Schools Cultural Quiz.
According to her, the government’s investments align with the fifth pillar of the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises “Entertainment and Tourism” as a critical sector for economic diversification and youth empowerment.
“As part of its efforts to preserve Lagos’ rich cultural legacy, the government revived the historic Fanti Carnival in April 2025.
“The event, which celebrates Afro-Brazilian heritage, was held at the Remembrance Arcade on Lagos Island and attracted thousands of local and international tourists.
“The revival of the Fanti Carnival honours the legacy of Afro-Brazilians who returned to Lagos in the 19th century and showcases the enduring cultural fusion that defines our identity,” the commissioner said.
Benson-Awoyinka said that the ministry also undertook the restoration of 30 heritage monuments, with 11 already completed.
She said that efforts to rebuild critical cultural infrastructure are underway, including the reconstruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, which was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
“In November 2024, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History was launched, drawing high-profile visitors such as Crowned Princess Victoria of Sweden and American cultural delegations.
“Lagos is increasingly on the global map. From hosting BBC Studios executives to meeting with CNN’s Richard Quest and Global Tourism Head Zara Driss at the World Travel Market in London, our message is clear,” she said.
She said the ministry had partnered with top-tier creative academies: Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and the African Film Academy, to train over 10,000 youths in film production, animation, screenwriting, and sound design.
She added that Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board had also issued over 1,100 permits to filmmakers and actively engaged in digital content regulation conferences to uphold industry standards.
Benson-Awoyinka said the 2024 Greater Lagos Fiesta featured major acts like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage across five divisions.
According to her, the Lagos Shopping Festival held at Onikan Stadium drew over 50,000 visitors and featured more than 400 vendors, demonstrating the economic synergy between tourism, culture, and commerce.
She said that the ministry had continued to drive the growth of the creative economy, empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote heritage, and expand Lagos’s global footprint as a thriving tourism and cultural capital.
“Lagos is not just a destination. It is a cultural awakening. The Fanti Carnival is an invitation to become part of a living history that dances, sings and celebrates resilience,” she said.
According to her, Sanwo-Olu administration has shown unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, education, and the promotion of Lagos as a destination rich in history, heritage, and pride.
She said that Sanwo-Olu was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at The Headies 2025 for his administration’s support for the creative industry.
Benson-Awoyinka said that the ministry had been strengthening global ties and the state was honoured in San Francisco and where she bagged a Special Recognition Award for visionary leadership.
“As Lagos expands its global footprint, such strategic engagements will continue to elevate the state’s profile, attract tourism investment, and showcase the ingenuity and vibrancy of its people to the world,” she said.
She also listed as part of the ministry’s achievement the strategic partnership with BBC Studio to elevate Lagos Storytelling, the Greater Lagos Rising Tour, Promotion of Animations, the Badagry International Film Festival, among others.
“I am personally committed to ensuring that Lagos is not only seen but also understood for the richness of its heritage and the brilliance of its people.
“This partnership with the BBC is part of our larger vision to position Lagos as Africa’s storytelling capital, attracting both visitors and investors through the power of culture, media, and tourism.
“With plans to expand the festival in coming years and make it a permanent fixture on the global retail tourism calendar, the Lagos Shopping Festival has truly set a new benchmark for city-led experiential retailing in Africa,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said that the ministry was dear to the heart of the governor.
“We feel this ministry and wherever the ministry moves, Lagos moves. This ministry has revived culture and tourism to the benefit of Lagos, Nigeria and Black race,” Omotoso said.