Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has been honoured with an Icon Award by The Forum by O’jez for her contributions to the growth of tourism, arts, culture and the creative economy in Lagos State.
The award was presented at an event held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at O’jez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The ceremony was themed “A Leader, An Inspiration, A Legacy.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Idowu Johnson, received the award on behalf of the commissioner. He described the recognition as a fitting acknowledgement of Benson-Awoyinka’s commitment to the development of Lagos’ creative sector and tourism industry.
Johnson said the honour also reflected the Lagos State Government’s efforts to promote tourism, preserve the state’s cultural heritage and strengthen the creative economy as a driver of economic growth and social development.
Benson-Awoyinka has, since her appointment as commissioner in 2023, been involved in initiatives aimed at expanding Lagos’ tourism and creative sectors. The ministry has supported cultural festivals, heritage preservation projects and creative industry programmes as part of efforts to position Lagos as a leading tourism and entertainment destination in Africa.
In May 2026, the commissioner disclosed that the state had intensified its support for tourism, arts and culture, including the revival of the historic Eyo Festival after a decade-long break and support for more than 200 creative events and initiatives.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival was also among the major initiatives highlighted by the ministry, attracting more than 40,000 participants, tourists and cultural enthusiasts while showcasing Lagos’ Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Speaking at a tourism operators’ conference in July, Benson-Awoyinka also called for stronger professional standards among tour operators, stressing that Nigeria’s tourism assets must be properly developed and marketed to translate the country’s cultural wealth into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth.
The Forum by O’jez had earlier described Benson-Awoyinka as a lawyer and public administrator who had served in the Lagos State Executive Council since 2023, after previously serving as Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Housing.
The recognition is expected to further highlight the growing role of tourism, arts, culture and creative industries in Lagos’ economic and social development.
