Lagos State Government equips over 3,748 youths with creative skills

The Lagos State Government has provided creative skills training to 3,748 youths.

It also announced plans to train an additional 5,000 youths over the next three years.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated this during a ministerial press briefing on Monday in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos.

She mentioned that the state government is currently partnering with four different creative academies to enhance the capabilities of young creative practitioners in Lagos State.

“I am pleased to announce that Mr. The Governor has further approved training for over 5,000 young men and women to run over the next three years,” she stated.

She also announced that her ministry has finalized plans to hold an engagement session with tourism stakeholders in the hospitality sector on May 30 to discuss current industry challenges and collaborative opportunities within the hospitality chain.

The Commissioner revealed that the contract for reconstructing the burnt Lagos Theatre in Oregun has been awarded. She added that her ministry is currently negotiating for land to build a suitable facility in the Ikorodu division of the state.

She further mentioned that the ministry, in collaboration with Public Works, has begun rehabilitating the access road to the Lekki Art and Craft Market.

“This collaboration will make the road accessible to tourists, which will in turn generate revenue for the state,” she added.

Benson-Awoyinka also stated that her ministry is responsible for giving endorsements, partnering, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders.

She added that her ministry had collaborated, endorsed, and supported several tourism-related events, including the Eebi Festival 2024, Felabration: an annual celebration of the life and music of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti; the Homecoming of over 50 Black Americans who had traced their roots back to the ancient town of Badagry, and other relevant festivals.

Further speaking, she noted that the governor has promised to embark on more developmental projects in Badagry to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage and boost tourism within the ancient town

Oluchi Okwuego