Lagos Tourism Ministry Marks 2025 Children’s Day with Culture, Creativity and Learning

Lagos Tourism Ministry Marks 2025 Children’s Day with Culture, Creativity and Learning

By Adeoti Sobowale | Lagos | May 28, 2025

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture commemorated the 2025 Children’s Day with a lively cultural and educational celebration at the historic J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan. The event drew hundreds of schoolchildren from across the state for a day rich in heritage appreciation, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, underscored the state government’s commitment to nurturing children as future leaders.

“Children are the cornerstone of nation-building,” Aregbe said. “This is why the Lagos State Government is intentional about implementing programmes that nurture, empower, and educate our young leaders.”

He noted that the collaborative involvement of various government ministries demonstrates Lagos’ holistic approach to child development. According to him, the event was designed to instill pride in cultural identity, promote heritage, and encourage children to embrace their roots.

“Our ministry is committed to creating family-friendly programmes that inform, engage, and uplift every child,” Aregbe stated. “With children making up nearly 50 percent of Lagos State’s population, our strategies are designed to cater to their growth and well-being.”

Aregbe also described the celebration as part of a broader state strategy for youth empowerment, highlighting ongoing support for skill-building programmes and safe recreational spaces.

He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders in child development, adding, “The responsibility of raising and empowering our children does not rest on government alone. We must work hand-in-hand with parents, teachers, and community leaders to give every child the opportunity they deserve.”

He also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and First Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for their continuous support of child-focused initiatives in the state. “Their leadership and passion are a beacon to all of us working in child and youth development,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, echoed these sentiments, stressing that cultural education is central to the Ministry’s long-term vision for youth development.

“Children’s Day offers a powerful opportunity to blend learning with culture and creativity,” Bajulaiye said. “By exposing children to hands-on cultural experiences, we help them build confidence, discover talents, and understand their heritage.”

The event featured a vibrant lineup of traditional dance and drama performances, along with workshops in photography, candle-making, painting, tie-dye, and shoemaking. These practical sessions were designed to provide children with both creative expression and life-enriching skills.

The celebration not only honored the spirit of Children’s Day but also reinforced the Lagos State Government’s dedication to equipping its youngest citizens with the knowledge, confidence, and cultural grounding they need to thrive.