Lagos Tourism Ministry Partners EU Diaspora Group to Train Creative Practitioners

Lagos Tourism Ministry Partners EU Diaspora Group to Train Creative Practitioners

Lagos, Nigeria – August 5, 2025 –
In a bid to strengthen Lagos State’s cultural and creative economy, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has sealed a strategic partnership with the European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF) to launch a specialised training programme aimed at empowering local creative professionals.

The initiative, which focuses on heritage preservation and cultural development, was formalised during a virtual meeting held on Monday, August 4, between the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and EUDiF representatives based in Germany, Ms. Lisa Bezvershenko and Ms. Charlotte Griffiths.

According to the ministry, the programme will serve as a platform for building both local and international capacity among creatives, while encouraging community-led efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Scheduled to kick off in the third week of August 2025, the training will be conducted at the divisional level and adopt a multi-stage format, targeting 50 participants. It will focus on enhancing practical creative skills and promoting sustainable cultural practices across Lagos.

Preserving Identity Through Culture

Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka described the partnership as part of the State’s broader strategy for heritage and cultural sustainability. She reiterated the value of cultural identity and language preservation, stating:

“If one loses their language, they have lost their identity in life.”

She also pointed to the ongoing revitalisation of cultural institutions, especially the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which she said is central to Lagos’ plans to develop cultural tourism and provide future generations with a sense of history and belonging.

“A museum is not a profit-making venture but a legacy for the future. Our aim is to safeguard heritage while attracting both local and international tourists to rediscover our festivals and traditions,” she added.

Building a Scalable Model for West Africa

In her remarks, Ms. Griffiths of EUDiF said the programme would not only strengthen festival performances across Lagos State but also serve as a replicable model for cultural development throughout West Africa.

“This initiative goes beyond delivering training—it’s about working with local partners to co-design a sustainable programme that enhances existing structures, meets real needs, and has long-term impact,” Griffiths explained.

The collaboration underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to nurturing its rich cultural assets and creating opportunities for creatives to thrive locally and globally.