Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture says it is expanding the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 to include mentorship, technology-driven creativity and long-term career support for young artists.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said this at a news conference to unveil the second edition of the competition, on Monday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition is open to students in public and private schools across the state , covering junior secondary, senior secondary and tertiary categories.
The Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 is with the theme, “This is Lagos”.
According to Oyekan-Ismaila, initiative will now prioritize a continuous journey of growth and discovery for participants rather than a single event.
She noted that structured mentorship would guide students from junior secondary through tertiary levels and into the professional creative space.
Oyekan-Ismaila explained that the programme was being scaled to deepen participation and exposure, with broader industry engagement and clearer pathways linking classroom learning to real-world creative enterprises.
She said the government was also responding to changing creative landscapes by encouraging students to tap into digital tools.
She said that the Ministry of Science and Technology would support the initiative where necessary.
“AI is available to these students now, and they can tap on these available resources,” she said.
Oyekan-Ismaila said participants must be bona fide students in Lagos, registered with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), and able to present original, creative ideas that reflect the competition’s theme.
She stressed that the selection process would be independent and highly systematic, assuring participants that the process is without bias.
“Just have an idea and meet the criteria,” she said.
She said that beyond prizes, the state planned to retain engagement with participants to ensure they receive support to develop their ideas into viable creative outputs.
The Permanent Secretary said lessons from the maiden edition had shaped the new approach, particularly its measurable impact on young participants and their families.
According to her, the first edition also drew in students who previously had little interest in the arts, after seeing peers gain recognition and income from their work.
“All the artworks that were showcased have been properly purchased by people, and it has provided opportunities for the families of the children.
“That is why this is a level playing ground for all students, irrespective of your background,” she added.
NAN also reports that registration for the competition runs from May 4 to May 25, after which entries will be reviewed by an independent panel ahead of the grand finale. (NAN)
