In a strategic move to boost Lagos State’s creative economy, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has partnered with the European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF) to enhance training opportunities in heritage preservation and cultural development.
The collaboration was formalised on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Honourable Commissioner’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, during a virtual meeting between the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka and EUDiF officials based in Germany – Ms. Lisa Bezvershenko and Ms. Charlotte Griffiths.
The initiative aims to build both local and international capacity while promoting community-driven cultural preservation. It will also serve as a platform to foster sustainable cultural practices and deepen the State’s creative sector.
The joint training programme is scheduled to commence in the third week of August 2025 at the divisional level. It will adopt a multi-stage approach, targeting 50 participants and focusing on equipping them with relevant creative skills.
Speaking on the partnership, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka described the initiative as part of Lagos State’s heritage and cultural sustainability strategy. She emphasised the importance of cultural identity, stating: “If one loses their language, they have lost their identity in life.”
She further highlighted the ongoing revitalisation of museums in Lagos, particularly the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History as a cornerstone for heritage preservation and cultural tourism development.
“A museum is not a profit-making venture but a legacy for future generations. Our goal is to ensure heritage sustainability while encouraging both local and international tourists to return for our festivals”, she said.
In her presentation, Ms. Griffiths explained that the training would help enhance heritage performances at festivals across the state.
“The programme is designed to be a scalable and replicable model for cultural sector development across West Africa. This is not just about delivering knowledge but about collaborating with local partners to design a programme that strengthens existing structures, addresses real needs on the ground, and ensures long-term sustainability”, she stated.
