The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has spotlighted the “Lagos Creative Vault” as a groundbreaking initiative poised to redefine the creative economy of Nigeria, describing it as a visionary platform that will serve as a digital archive, talent accelerator, and gateway to global opportunities for creatives in the state.
She stated on Wednesday at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the sixth year in office of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking on the State Government’s commitment to empowering the creative sector, the Commissioner stated that the Lagos Creative Vault, curated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe has been strategically designed to provide structured access to funding, training, mentorship, and international collaborations.
“The Vault is a game-changer,” the Commissioner said. “It is a dynamic digital hub where filmmakers, animators, musicians, writers, and visual artists from Lagos can showcase their work, gain visibility, and connect with partners and investors both locally and globally. Through this initiative, Lagos is building a future where talent meets opportunity, and creativity drives inclusive economic growth.”
According to her, the Vault embodies the Ministry’s long-term vision to professionalise the creative industry, promote cultural heritage, and attract foreign investment by creating a well-organised system that connects stakeholders across the value chain.
The Commissioner further emphasised that the Vault is not just a repository, but a matchmaking platform enabling creatives to access grants, residencies, and licensing deals for their content-laying the foundation for a sustainable, monetizable creative economy.
In a related development, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry through the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, in the last 12 months, issued over 1,100 film permits to independent movie producers. These permits, she explained, supported documentaries, feature films, commercials, and short films, reflecting a robust and dynamic film environment.
On the international stage, the Commissioner noted that the selection of “My Father’s Shadow” for screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival was a proud milestone for Lagos and Nigeria at large.
“This is a global recognition of our storytelling prowess and cultural strength. It affirms that Nigerian content is not only locally relevant but also globally compelling,” she remarked.
The Commissioner also commended the recent endorsement of Funke Akindele’s film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, describing it as a step toward institutional support for high-quality, homegrown narratives.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, citing the Skill-Up Lagos initiative where 50 youths were trained in indigenous raffia basket weaving, and the Guinness World Record attempt by Fola David for the world’s longest drawing as inspiring testaments to Lagos’s creativity and resilience.
“Lagos is not just a city of dreams; it is a city where creativity is nurtured, talent is empowered, and the arts are given the space to flourish,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
