The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has described the ‘Lagos Creative Vault’ as a groundbreaking initiative poised to redefine the creative economy of the nation.
The initiative is a digital hub where filmmakers, animators, musicians, writers and visual artists from Lagos can show their work, gain visibility and connect with partners and investors, both locally and globally.
Benson-Awoyinka said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
According to her, this is a visionary platform that will serve as a digital archive, talent accelerator, and gateway to global opportunities for creatives in the state.
She said this in a statement in Lagos state.
The commissioner said the vault, curated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Mr Idris Aregbe, was part of efforts of the state government’s commitment to empowering the creative sector.
“It has been strategically designed to provide structured access to funding, training, mentorship and international collaborations.
“The vault is a game-changer.
“Through this initiative, Lagos is building a future where talent meets opportunity, and creativity drives inclusive economic growth,” she said.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, the vault embodies the ministry’s vision to professionalise the creative industry, promote cultural heritage and attract foreign investment by creating a well organised system that connects stakeholders across the value chain.
She said the vault was not a repository but a matchmaking platform that would enable creatives to access grants, residences, and licensing deals for their content, laying the foundation for a sustainable, monitisable creative economy.
Also, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry, through the Lagos State Filmm and Video Censors Board, in the last 12 months, issued over 1,100 film permits to independent movie producers.
“These permits supported documentaries, feature films, commercials and short films, reflecting a robust and dynamic film environment,” she said.
On the international front, she noted that the selection of “My Father’s Shadow” for screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival was a proud milestone for the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“This is a global recognition of our storytelling prowess and cultural strength.
“It affirms that Nigerian content is not only locally relevant but also globally compelling,” she said.
Benson-Awoyinka commended the recent endorsement of Funke Akindele’s film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa”, by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, adding that it was a step toward institutional support for high quality, homegrown narratives.
She reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment.
She cited the ‘Skill-Up Lagos’ initiative, where 50 youths were trained in indigenous raffia basket weaving, and the Guinness World Record attempt by Fola David, for the world’s longest drawing, as inspiring testaments to Lagos’ state creativity and resilience.
“Lagos state is not just a city of dreams; it is a city where creativity is nurtured, talent is empowered and the arts are given the space to flourish,” she said.
NAN / Foluke Ibitomi