The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and nurturing young creative talents through strategic investments in arts, culture and creative education. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, stated this on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the closing ceremony and certificate presentation of the Surulere Children Art & Crafts Workshop and Exhibition held at Adegoke Primary School, Surulere.
The month-long programme, organised by the Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage Initiative and endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, engaged children and teenagers throughout August in various creative disciplines, including drawing and painting, photography, poetry and crafts. The closing ceremony featured traditional dance performances, indigenous music, Yoruba chants and a children’s fashion parade showcasing outfits inspired by the workshop, highlighting the skills acquired by the participants.
Speaking at the event, Aregbe commended parents for supporting their children’s participation, stressing that parental involvement remains crucial to talent discovery and development. He said the initiative was designed to “catch them young” and help children see culture not only as heritage but also as a platform for creativity, confidence and economic opportunity. He also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising youth development, culture, creativity and human capital development, while acknowledging the contributions of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to the development of Surulere.
The event was attended by parents, teachers, government officials and representatives of the Nigerian Children Cultural Heritage Initiative, including Hon. Fuad Odofin, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Surulere Local Government, and Hauwa Abdusalam, Consultant on Gastro-Tourism. The programme ended with the presentation of gifts and certificates to participants and a group photograph. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-focused cultural initiatives in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its creative economy pillar, noting that such programmes provide important platforms for skills development, cultural preservation and the discovery of future creative talents.
