The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing young creative talents through the successful hosting of the grand finale and prize presentation ceremony of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the competition as a platform designed to discover, nurture, and showcase artistic talents across Lagos State.
She disclosed that 489 participants registered for the competition, while 132 entries were submitted across categories including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Beadwork, Textile Design, Leatherwork, Digital Art, and Upcycling.
According to her, the theme, “This Is Lagos,” inspired participants to creatively portray the culture, resilience, diversity, and innovative spirit of Lagos State.
Among the beneficiaries were Saheed Kadijat Remilekun of Community Junior Grammar School, Egbeda; Olorungbamila Esther of Ikokun Junior High School; Aishat Opeyemi of Clegg Girls Junior High School; Akinola Oluwatobi of Sanngo Senior Secondary School; Makinde Opeyemi of Millennium Senior Secondary School, Egbeda; and Ajayi Pascal of Methodist High School. Also honoured were Aina Samuel, Abdul Rahman Saheed, and Goodness Popoola of the Lagos State University of Education, who received one-year scholarships for their outstanding performance in the competition.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila commended all participants, teachers, parents, judges, sponsors, and partners for contributing to the success of the initiative. She also acknowledged the competition’s initiator, former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., for creating a platform that continues to empower young artists.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants, while the Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to supporting arts education, skills development, and youth creativity