Eko Schools Arts & Crafts Competition 2026: Lagos Expands Platform to Groom Next Generation of Creative Talents
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has unveiled the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young creative talents and strengthening the state’s position as a leading hub for arts and culture in Africa.
Speaking at a press conference held on Monday at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the initiative as a strategic platform designed to discover, develop, and showcase the creative potential of students across the state.
Reflecting on the maiden edition held in October 2025, Oyekan-Ismaila noted that the competition recorded 153 entries from students in both secondary and tertiary institutions, highlighting the depth of talent within Lagos. She explained that the artworks submitted went beyond aesthetics, capturing themes of identity, resilience, and the dynamic spirit of Lagos.
According to her, nine winners emerged across three categories at the grand finale, receiving scholarship awards and continued exposure to amplify their talents.
“The success of the maiden edition clearly demonstrated that Lagos is rich in creative brilliance. Our young people are ready to take on leadership roles in the creative economy when given the right opportunities,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary linked the initiative to the broader development framework of the state under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on entertainment and tourism as key drivers of economic growth and youth empowerment.
For the 2026 edition, themed “This is Lagos!”, the government plans to scale up participation and enhance the overall impact of the programme. Oyekan-Ismaila revealed that new features such as structured mentorship, increased industry collaboration, and expanded exposure opportunities have been introduced to enrich participants’ experience.
She emphasized that the competition is not merely an event but part of a long-term strategy to bridge classroom learning with real-world creative enterprise, equipping young people with relevant skills for the global economy while preserving cultural heritage.
Oyekan-Ismaila also called on school administrators, parents, and guardians to support and encourage student participation, stressing their role in shaping future artists and cultural ambassadors.
She further acknowledged the media’s role in promoting the initiative and ensuring wider reach across the state.
Registration for the competition is open from Monday, May 4 to Monday, May 25, 2026, via the official portal: https://www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com�.
The state government expressed optimism that this year’s edition will attract broader participation and produce outstanding creative talents capable of representing Lagos on the global stage.
It reiterated its commitment to sustained investment in the creative sector, noting that supporting innovation and talent development remains essential for economic growth and cultural advancement.
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