The Lagos State Government has officially announced the commencement of the 2026 Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition with the theme “THIS IS LAGOS!”.
The initiative is aimed to discover and nurture the creative talents of young residents in the junior and senior secondary and tertiary institutions while positioning the state as Africa’s premier hub for arts and culture.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, highlighted the competition as a vital pillar of the state’s creative economy.
She said the project aligns with the Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, specifically focusing on Entertainment and Tourism to drive economic growth.
“Lagos is brimming with creative brilliance,” the Permanent Secretary stated.
“Our young people are ready to lead the creative economy when given the right opportunities.”
She emphasized that this second edition promises a larger scope and more intensive support for participants.
“The maiden edition saw 153 entries from secondary and tertiary institutions this year we are expecting about 300 entries”.
Other upgrades for this year’s program include: connecting students with industry professionals, Increasing their exposure to the commercial creative sector and enhancing platforms for young artists to showcase their work globally.
Reflecting on the inaugural edition held in October last year, where nine winners emerged across three categories, receiving scholarships and professional visibility,
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila noted that the initiative has grown from a “bold experiment” into a powerful platform for youth expression.
The Permanent Secretary called on school administrators, parents, and teachers to encourage students to participate.
The competition is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world creative enterprise, equipping youth with skills relevant to the global economy.
“When creativity thrives, innovation flourishes, and economies grow,” Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila said
“We are raising the next generation of artists, innovators, and cultural ambassadors.”
The Registration for the 2026 Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition officially opened Monday 4th, May and will close Monday 25th May, 2026.
Interested students from secondary and tertiary institutions across Lagos State who reside in the state and have registered with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency can apply online via the official portal.
Victoria Ibanga
