The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is enhancing regional collaboration and strengthening the creative and tourism industries across West Africa.
This initiative follows a visit from a delegation of the Ghana Creative Arts Agency to the Ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the capital city of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, described the meeting as a strategic opportunity for knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships, and sustainable growth within the creative sector.
Emphasising the importance of institutional support, sustainable public-private funding, and youth empowerment across all creative disciplines, she stated, “Lagos does not compete. We create and collaborate. It is a pleasure to host our brothers and sisters from Ghana. This engagement is about synergy, shared learning, and laying a foundation for cross-border support systems that benefit creatives throughout the region.”
Also Read: Gospel Singer Steve Crown ties knot with fiancée
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing a comprehensive, year-round calendar of tourism and cultural events, stressing that consistent programming will further position Lagos as a premier destination for arts, culture, and tourism. “Creativity is a vast industry, and everyone has a role to play in its advancement,” she added.
Regarding boat racing, the Commissioner pledged the Ministry’s full support for the upcoming Speed Boat Racing and Creative Summit, scheduled for October 2025. She described this event as an innovative platform to showcase Lagos’ waterfront culture and diverse creative talents.
Mrs. Bisi Omojare, the Director of Creative Arts at the Ministry, elaborated on the Ministry’s operational framework, which encourages creatives from architecture to comedy to register with the Ministry. This system enables them to benefit from endorsements and receive government support for both local and international events.
In terms of Ghana’s commitment, the leading Ghanaian delegate, Ag. Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency of Ghana, Mr. Gideon Aryeequaye, expressed admiration for Lagos’ structured approach to cultural development and affirmed Ghana’s commitment to building similar frameworks. “We’ve always admired Lagos from afar, and this visit has confirmed why you are regarded as a big sister in the creative space,” he remarked. “Our purpose here is to learn, collaborate, and grow together.”
Commenting on the transformation of Ghana’s Creative Arts Agency following national reforms in 2020, Mr. Aryeequaye suggested future immersive exchanges, joint talent showcases, and collaborative media projects that promote Afrocentric ownership of creative assets and resist cultural dilution between the two organizations.
