Lagos Commissioner Unveils Plans For Investments, Talent Hunt, Music Infrastructure

<strong><em>Lagos State Government and representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka (3rd left) and other guests during the African Music Business Summit held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. PHOTO: OKOBIA RAYMOND</em></strong>

OKOBIA RAYMOND 

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the entertainment, creative economy, and hospitality sectors, declaring its readiness to deepen investments that will further position the State as Africa’s leading creative powerhouse.

This assurance was given on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at the African Music Business Summit held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities marking the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The summit convened top stakeholders from the African and global music industry, policymakers, institutions, and creatives to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Africa’s music business ecosystem and expanding its global competitiveness.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government and representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka outlined the State’s deliberate policy direction and growing financial commitment to the creative economy.

According to the Commissioner, Lagos State expended ₦8.4 billion in the last financial year to support the creative sector through concerts, capacity-building programmes, training initiatives, and production support across music, film and related creative industries.

She further disclosed that government funding for the sector has witnessed significant growth, rising from ₦3.8 billion before 2023 to ₦18 billion, with projections now approaching ₦40 billion, reflecting the sector’s increasing economic relevance and demand for structured support.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also announced the forthcoming Lagos Talent Hunt, an initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and empowering emerging artists across the State. She revealed that, under the programme, government-owned theatres would be repurposed into cinemas and music studios, allowing young creatives access to professional recording and production facilities at no cost.

Reiterating the State Government’s commitment to collaboration and transparency, the Commissioner emphasised that Lagos operates an open-door policy, encouraging creatives to submit proposals, partner with the Ministry, and actively participate in policy conversations shaping the industry.

She noted that Lagos State has supported over 140 creative projects and organisations, hosted large-scale free public events attended by more than 100,000 Lagosians, and continues to deploy the creative economy as a tool for youth empowerment, social inclusion and economic growth.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, commended the leadership and accessibility of the Honourable Commissioner and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to producing globally competitive creative talent from Lagos.

She encouraged practitioners in the creative sector to engage the Ministry through its official platforms, submit viable proposals, and take advantage of opportunities created through public investment.

“We want to create more Burna Boys and more Davidos, global icons trained with taxpayers’ money and celebrated on the world stage,” she said.

Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila also urged creatives to follow and engage with official Lagos State tourism and creative economy social media platforms to remain informed about funding windows, programmes, and emerging opportunities.