Fresh creative talents have emerged from basic, secondary and tertiary institutions across Lagos State following the grand finale of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0, organised by the state government.
The competition showcased a wide range of artistic expressions, including painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art and upcycling, highlighting the growing depth of creative skills among young Lagosians.
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the event as a celebration of creativity, innovation, culture and the limitless potential of students in the state.
She said the initiative remains a flagship programme of the Lagos State Government aimed at discovering, nurturing and showcasing artistic talent across all levels of education.
According to her, the 2026 edition recorded 489 registered participants, with 132 contestants submitting entries from schools across the five divisions of the state and selected tertiary institutions.
“The quality, originality and creativity displayed by the participants were remarkable. Today is not merely a competition finale; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, culture and the boundless potential of young Lagosians,” she said.
This year’s theme, “This Is Lagos,” challenged participants to creatively interpret the identity, heritage, resilience, innovation and diversity of the state.
Oyekan-Ismaila noted that the submitted artworks reflected Lagos’ cultural richness, vibrant communities, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability.
She commended all participants, stressing that every artwork represented dedication, imagination and hard work, regardless of final placement.
“Beyond the prizes and awards, every participant deserves recognition. Every artwork tells a unique story, and every student who expressed creativity through art is a winner,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary also praised the panel of judges for ensuring a transparent and fair selection process, while acknowledging the support of school administrators, teachers, parents and guardians.
Special recognition was given to Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, initiator of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, for establishing a platform that continues to nurture emerging creative talents in the state.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to arts education and skills development, Oyekan-Ismaila said the creative industry remains a key driver of economic growth, innovation and employment opportunities.
The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Bonu Solomon, said the competition was designed to encourage self-reliance among students by promoting arts and crafts as viable career paths.
He urged students to embrace creativity as a means of economic empowerment rather than relying solely on white-collar employment.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Adegbite, described the programme as a celebration of learners’ limitless potential and encouraged students to express themselves boldly through art.
Winners emerged across different categories, including Saheed Khadijat of Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo, and Orungbamila Esther of Clegg Girls Junior High School in the Junior Secondary School category.
In the Senior Secondary category, winners included Akinola Oluwatolu of Sango Senior Secondary School, Makinde Opeyemi Abraham of Millennium Senior Secondary School, and Ajayi Maope of Methodist Senior High School.
In the tertiary category, Boton Aina Samuel and Goodness Popoola, both of Lagos State University of Education, were among the top performers.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding participants, marking another successful edition of the competition aimed at fostering creativity, innovation and cultural appreciation among Lagos youths.
