Creativity often starts in the classroom. Sometimes, all it needs is the right platform to grow.That was the message from the Lagos State Government as it celebrated outstanding young artists during the grand finale of the second edition of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition, an initiative designed to discover, nurture and reward creative talent across the state.
Held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the competition brought together students from junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions, highlighting the growing importance of arts education in preparing young Nigerians for future opportunities.
Over 480 Students Competed to Tell the Lagos Story Through Art
According to the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, 489 students registered for this year’s competition, with 132 final entries submitted from schools across the state’s five divisions and tertiary institutions.
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Themed “This is Lagos”, participants were challenged to capture the city’s identity, resilience, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit through different forms of artistic expression.
The competition featured categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, beadwork, textile design, leatherwork, digital art and upcycling, allowing students to explore both traditional and modern creative techniques.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the programme as a flagship initiative aimed at discovering and showcasing the creative potential of young Lagosians.
She noted that creativity should begin in schools, adding that every child deserves an opportunity to express themselves while preserving culture and contributing to society through the arts.
Winners Recognised as Government Reaffirms Support for Creative Education
The competition produced winners across three educational categories.
In the tertiary category, Goodness Popoola of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) emerged as the overall winner, while Abdul Rahman Saheed of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) finished second. Aina Samuel, also from LASUED, claimed third place.
Among senior secondary school students, Ajayi Pascal Maugbe of Methodist Senior High School, Badagry, secured first place ahead of Makinde Opeyemi Abraham of Millennium Senior Secondary School and Akinola Oluwatobi of Sango Senior Secondary School.
In the junior secondary category, Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi of Clegg Girls Junior High School emerged winner, with Esther Oluwalonimi of Ikotun Junior High School and Khadijat Saheed of Community Junior Grammar School finishing as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Renowned visual artist and competition judge, Dr. Fola David, praised participants for demonstrating impressive creativity and encouraged them to continue showcasing their work confidently.
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Why Competitions Like This Matter Beyond the Classroom
Lagos continues to position itself as Nigeria’s creative capital, and initiatives like the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition show how investment in young talent can strengthen that vision.
Beyond recognising artistic excellence, programmes like this introduce students to career paths in the creative economy, where skills in design, digital art, fashion, crafts and visual storytelling are becoming increasingly valuable.
Government officials also reaffirmed plans to expand support for arts education through mentorship, skills development programmes and partnerships with educational institutions and industry stakeholders.
As Nigeria’s creative sector continues to grow, platforms that identify and nurture young talent could play an important role in producing the next generation of artists, designers, entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors.
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