27th May, 2024
By Mary Joseph
Lagos State Government says it has trained 3,748 youths in creative skills and announced that additional 5,000 youths would be trained over the next three years.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said this during a ministerial press briefing on Monday in Alausa, Ikeja.
She disclosed that the state government is currently in partnership with four different creative academies to enhance the capabilities of young creative practitioners in Lagos State.
“I am pleased to announce that Mr. Governor has further approved training for over 5,000 young men and women to run over the next three years,” she stated.
She also announced that her ministry has concluded plans to hold an engagement session with tourism stakeholders in the hospitality sector on current industry challenges and collaborative opportunities within the hospitality chain on May 30.
The Commissioner disclosed that the burnt Lagos Theatre in Oregun has been awarded for reconstruction, adding that her ministry is currently negotiating lands for the construction of a befitting facility in the Ikorodu division of the state.
She further mentioned that the ministry has embarked on the rehabilitation of the access road to the Lekki Art and Craft Market in collaboration with Public Works.
“This collaboration will make the road accessible to tourists, which will in turn generate revenue for the state,” she added.
Benson-Awoyinka also stated that her ministry is responsible for giving endorsements, partnering, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
She added that her ministry had collaborated, endorsed, and supported several tourism-related events, including the Eebi Festival 2024, Felabration: an annual celebration of the life and music of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti; the Homecoming of over 50 Black Americans who had traced their roots back to the ancient town of Badagry, and other relevant festivals.
Further speaking, she noted that the governor has promised to embark on more developmental projects in Badagry to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage and boost tourism within the ancient town.