Lagos Govt Pledges Support for Youth Creativity Through Arts and Culture
By Ilyas Opeyemi
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents through strategic investments in arts, culture and creative education.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr.
Idris Aregbe, stated this on Sunday, 6th September 2026, at the closing ceremony and certificate presentation of the Surulere Children Art & Crafts Workshop and Exhibition, held at Adegoke Primary School, Surulere.
The month-long programme, organised by the Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage Initiative and endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, engaged children and teenagers throughout August in various creative disciplines including drawing and painting, photography, poetry, and crafts.
The closing ceremony featured vibrant displays of the participants’ newly acquired skills. Highlights included traditional dance performances, indigenous music, Yoruba chants by two young participants, and a children’s fashion parade showcasing outfits inspired by the workshop.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Aregbe expressed appreciation to parents for enrolling their children, noting that parental support is critical to talent discovery and development.
“The goal was to catch them young. We want our children to see culture not just as heritage, but as a tool for creativity, confidence, and economic opportunity.
Today’s exhibition proves that investing in our children is investing in the future of Lagos culture,” he said.
The Special Adviser commended Mr.
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, for his unwavering support for youth development and for placing culture, creativity and human capital development at the centre of the State’s growth agenda.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to the development of Surulere, and reiterated the State Government’s efforts to promote Lagos’ arts, culture and heritage both locally and internationally.
Other dignitaries present included Hon.
Fuad Odofin, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Surulere Local Government, and Hauwa Abdusalam, Consultant on Gastro-Tourism, alongside parents, teachers, officials of the Ministry, and representatives of the Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage Initiative.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to participants, followed by a group photograph with guests, parents, teachers and organisers.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-focused cultural programmes in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its pillar on the creative economy. It noted that initiatives like the Surulere Children Art & Crafts Workshop provide vital platforms for skills development, cultural preservation, and the discovery of young creative talents.
