The Lagos State Government has spent over N8.47 billion to sponsor 143 festivals and cultural events across the state in the past year.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed this during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja.
The Commissioner explain that the state’s investment in cultural programming has delivered measurable benefits, including job creation, youth engagement, local economic growth, and heightened global media visibility.
“Through the ministry, the Creative Arts Department sponsored the festivals with the sum of approximately N8,475,238,265,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
This investment reflects the Ministry’s commitment to positioning Lagos as the leading hub for art, culture, and entertainment in Africa.
The Commissioner noted that agencies such as the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Films and Videos Censors Board have worked closely with the ministry to ensure seamless execution of the initiatives.
She listed some of the featured events, including the Fanti Carnival, Kurunmi Stage Play, Africa Fashion Designers Award, and the Badagry International Film Festival.
The Commissioner emphasized that the programmes are closely aligned with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly the fifth pillar, which focuses on the development of the entertainment and tourism sectors.