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 competition is aimed at discovering and nurturing the creative talents of young residents in junior and senior secondary schools, as well as 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, described the competition as a vital pillar of the state’s creative economy.
She said the project aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly the Entertainment and Tourism pillar, which is designed 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 added that the second edition of the competition would be larger in scope and offer more intensive support for participants.
“The maiden edition saw 153 entries from secondary and tertiary institutions. This year, we are expecting about 300 entries.”
She also highlighted new enhancements to the programme, including connecting students with industry professionals, increasing exposure to the commercial creative sector, and expanding 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 and received scholarships and professional visibility, Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila said the initiative had grown from a “bold experiment” into a strong platform for youth expression.
She urged school administrators, parents, and teachers to encourage students to participate, noting that the competition is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world creative enterprise.
“When creativity thrives, innovation flourishes, and economies grow,” she said. “We are raising the next generation of artists, innovators, and cultural ambassadors.”
Registration for the 2026 Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition opened on Monday, May 4, 2026, and will close on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Interested students from secondary and tertiary institutions across Lagos State who are residents and registered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency can apply online via the official portal: www.ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com
