Lagos Showcasing Its Culture Through Tourism, Film, Festivals — Toke Benson-Awoyinka

Lagos Showcasing Its Culture Through Tourism, Film, Festivals — Toke Benson-Awoyinka

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading cultural, tourism and entertainment destination through strategic investments in festivals, film, heritage preservation and creative industry development.

Speaking during the 2026 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted major achievements recorded by the ministry over the last one year under the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

The Commissioner said the ministry has continued to leverage culture, arts, tourism and entertainment as critical drivers of economic growth, youth empowerment and global visibility for Lagos State.

According to her, Lagos witnessed an influx of tourists and cultural enthusiasts through landmark events such as the revival of the historic Eyo Festival, the Lagos Fanti Carnival, AFRIMA, Lagos Fashion Week, and the E1 Lagos GP electric powerboat championship.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka noted that the ministry remains intentional about projecting indigenous culture through education, film, festivals and community engagement.

“We are deliberate about showcasing Lagos culture to the world. Through films, festivals, cultural showcases and educational initiatives, we are preserving our heritage while creating economic opportunities for our people,” she said.

She explained that the Lagos Cultural Mission and other cultural initiatives were designed to educate younger generations on the history and significance of indigenous traditions, including the Eyo cultural heritage.

The Commissioner also stressed the importance of cultural representation in film productions, noting that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board has continued to encourage filmmakers to reflect Lagos values, language, business environment and cultural identity in their productions.

According to her, over 2,000 filming permits were issued within the review period to production companies and independent filmmakers operating in Lagos State.

She disclosed that filmmakers seeking permits are encouraged to intentionally showcase the unique identity, creativity and hospitality of Lagos in their productions.

“It is a work in progress, but more movies reflecting Lagos culture, language and identity will continue to emerge in the coming weeks because we are intentional about selling our culture globally,” she added.

Highlighting key achievements of the ministry, the Commissioner said the state successfully revived the Eyo Festival after a decade, held the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival which attracted over 40,000 participants, and hosted the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

She further revealed that the ministry supported over 201 cultural events, festivals and creative programmes across the state, an increase from 143 initiatives supported in the previous year.

Among the supported events were Lagos Fashion Week, The Headies, Lagos Cocktail Week, Lagos International Jazz Festival, Lagos Street Art Festival, Eko Heritage Award, Lagos Afro Fusion Festival and several indigenous cultural celebrations across the state.

The ministry also intensified efforts in heritage preservation with monument projects including the Eyo Statue at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, the statue of late Lateef Jakande, and the restoration of historical sites in Badagry and Epe.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka disclosed that the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History recently received global recognition after winning the prestigious Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in cultural innovation and immersive storytelling in Orlando, Florida.

On tourism development, she said the ministry organised stakeholder engagement summits and participated in several international tourism and creative industry exhibitions including GITEX Global, AKWAABA African Travel Market, Ghana Expo and the African Marketplace Dubai 2025.

The Commissioner further stated that the ministry has strengthened tourism support services through collaboration with health agencies, emergency responders, security agencies and the Lagos State Safety Commission, particularly during the “Detty December” period under the “101 Days in Lagos” initiative.

She added that Lagos State remains committed to preserving indigenous festivals including Kayo-Kayo Festival, Olokun Festival, Oga Festival, Odun Osu and Egungun celebrations across various divisions of the state.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka appreciated stakeholders, creative practitioners, investors and tourism partners for their support towards strengthening Lagos as the hospitality, entertainment and tourism capital of Africa.

“Towards a Greater Lagos Rising,” she said, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to expanding opportunities within the tourism, arts and creative sectors.