Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 Uncovers Young Creative Talents Across Lagos

 Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 Uncovers Young Creative Talents Across Lagos

IKEJA, LAGOS – The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young creative talents through the successful hosting of the Grand Finale and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0, a flagship initiative designed to discover, develop and showcase artistic excellence among students across the state.

The event, held on Tuesday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, brought together government officials, education stakeholders, artists, parents, students and development partners to celebrate creativity, innovation and cultural expression among young Lagosians.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the competition as a strategic platform created to identify and nurture the immense creative potential of students while promoting Lagos as Nigeria's cultural and creative capital.

According to her, the competition was established on the belief that creativity begins in classrooms and that every child deserves an opportunity to express talent, tell stories and contribute meaningfully to society through art.

She disclosed that the 2026 edition attracted 489 registered participants, with 132 entries submitted from schools across the five divisions of Lagos State as well as tertiary institutions. The competition featured categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art and upcycling.

"The quality, originality and creativity displayed in the submissions were truly remarkable. Every artwork tells a unique story of imagination, dedication, hard work and passion. Beyond the prizes and awards, every participant deserves recognition," she said.

The Permanent Secretary explained that this year's theme, "This Is Lagos," challenged participants to creatively interpret the identity, heritage, resilience, innovation and diversity of the state.

She noted that the artworks showcased at the exhibition reflected Lagos' rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, vibrant communities and commitment to sustainability.

Oyekan-Ismaila also acknowledged the professionalism of the independent judges, as well as the contributions of principals, teachers, parents, sponsors and development partners whose support contributed to the success of the initiative.

She emphasized that the creative industry has become a major driver of economic growth, innovation and employment, assuring participants that the Lagos State Government would continue to invest in arts education, mentorship programmes, skills development and platforms that encourage youth creativity.

The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu, commended the initiative and pledged continued legislative support for its sustainability and expansion.

Bonu, who revealed that he chaired the maiden edition of the competition last year, said the programme has enormous potential to equip students with entrepreneurial and vocational skills capable of making them self-reliant in the future.

He stressed that creative arts should no longer be viewed merely as hobbies but as viable career paths capable of generating substantial income and employment opportunities.

"We want our young people to become creators of opportunities rather than waiting for government jobs. Programmes like this encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and self-development," he said.

Representing the Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Adegbite described arts and crafts as powerful tools for expression, critical thinking, cultural preservation and skills development.

She said the competition provides students with an avenue to discover their talents, build confidence and showcase their ingenuity, while commending the state government for supporting holistic education through creative initiatives.

Adegbite congratulated all participants and winners, urging students to continue exploring their talents and learning from one another.

One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition of outstanding artworks inspired by Lagos' culture, transportation system, waterways, architecture and diverse communities.

Several student artists explained the concepts behind their creations, showcasing the use of mixed media, digital techniques and recycled materials to tell compelling stories about the state's identity and development.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the initiative, conceived by former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshall, has continued to grow in popularity and impact since its debut.

She added that some participating students had already begun attracting commercial interest, with guests and government officials expressing interest in purchasing selected artworks.

Organisers revealed plans to expand participation in future editions, with a target of attracting over 1,000 registrations in the coming years while providing mentorship opportunities for outstanding young artists.

Winners

Tertiary Institutions Category

1st Place: Goodness Popoola, 400 Level, Lagos State University of Education
2nd Place: Abdul Rahman Saheed, 300 Level, Lagos State University of Science and Technology
3rd Place: Boton Aina Samuel, 400 Level, Lagos State University of Education

Senior Secondary School Category

1st Place: Ajayi Pascal Maugbe, SS2, Methodist Senior High School
2nd Place: Makinde Opeyemi Abraham, SS2, Millennium Senior Secondary School
3rd Place: Akinola Oluwatobi, SS2, Sango Senior Secondary School

Junior Secondary School Category

1st Place: Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi, JSS2, Clegg Girls Junior High School
2nd Place: Orungbamila Oluwalonimi Esther, JSS1, Ikotun Junior High School
3rd Place: Saheed Khadijat Remilekun, JSS3, Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo

The ceremony ended with the presentation of prizes, certificates and commendations to winners and participants, amid renewed calls for greater investment in arts education as a tool for youth empowerment and economic development in Lagos State.