Lagos Government to Strengthen Cultural Ties with Local and International Partners

Lagos Government to Strengthen Cultural Ties with Local and International Partners

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing cultural development through deeper collaborations with both local and international stakeholders.

This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a courtesy visit by Mr. Gbolahan Ajala, Co-founder and Managing Director of IGA Nigeria Limited and Heritage Consultant to the state government.

Speaking at the meeting held at the Ministry's conference room in Alausa, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka emphasized the state’s ongoing investment in the creative and cultural sectors. She highlighted several projects currently being executed by the Ministry, including the transformation of theatres into cinemas and the establishment of youth engagement centres.

“As a government, we place high value on our cultural and heritage assets. We are open to collaborations, sponsorships, and properly documented proposals that promote cultural development,” she said.

She also spoke about government-backed initiatives like talent hunts and the Lagos Creative Initiative (LACI), which aim to build creative capacity and nurture emerging talents across the state. The Commissioner expressed a keen interest in partnering on festivals, museums, archives, and other cultural exhibitions that can elevate the state’s creative industry both locally and globally.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, who was also present at the meeting, expressed the Ministry’s readiness to support partnerships that will position Lagos as a leading cultural and creative destination.

In her remarks, Dr. Nadine Siegert, Director of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria and President of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Nigeria Cluster, expressed interest in closer collaboration with Lagos-based artists and institutions, particularly in areas such as heritage preservation, museums, and archives.

Miss Toluwanimi Owolana, Cluster Coordinator for the Africa-Europe Partnership for Culture, introduced an EU-funded project supporting festival producers across six West African countries, including Nigeria. She noted Lagos’ strategic role in the initiative and expressed optimism about working with the Ministry to advance its implementation.

Also present was Miss Tolulope Ami-Williams, Project Coordinator for the Claiming the Future initiative, who shared plans for a community-based mural and performance exhibition across six Lagos communities, including Badagry, Makoko, and Bariga. She appealed for the Ministry’s support in securing necessary approvals and backing for the project’s success.

The meeting underscored Lagos State’s growing profile as a vibrant hub for cultural innovation, with the Ministry pledging continued support for initiatives that celebrate and preserve the state’s rich heritage.

By Adeoti Sobowale
Deputy Director, Public Affairs, MTAC
April 29, 2025