In a bold effort to advance the creative economy and promote cultural preservation, the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) successfully hosted a high-level sensitisation workshop titled “Preserving Heritage through the Creative Economy with the Right Funding.” Held on Friday, 25th July 2025, at the STO Resource Centre in Alausa Business District, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders and influencers in the creative sector to engage in strategic discussions on sustainable financing, institutional partnerships, and policy development.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olarenwaju Bajulaye, chaired the session, underscoring the State Government’s strong commitment to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem. “The creative industry is not just a cultural asset, but a viable economic engine for innovation and transformation. We aim to shift from informal engagement to structured and sustainable partnerships,” he stated.
The roundtable discussion was enriched by thought leaders from prominent institutions including Goethe-Institut, which continues to promote intercultural dialogue and arts education; International African Diaspora Studies (IADS), advancing African heritage and diaspora narratives; IBILE Holdings, a financial organisation facilitating grassroots creative investments; and the OSE App, a digital platform designed for creator collaboration and visibility.
Available creative hubs such as WAC, Slick City, Go Culture, and Game Evolution E-Sports also contributed important perspectives, emphasising the need for mentorship opportunities, infrastructure development, and sustainable funding access for emerging talents.
Professor D. Oguntola Laguda of Lagos State University, currently on sabbatical with LSCAC, moderated the session, bringing policy insights and academic rigour to the discourse.
The host of the event, Mr. Idowu Olulowo Johnson, CEO (LSCAC), earlier welcomed guests warmly and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to professional capacity-building and stakeholder engagement.
This landmark workshop represents a strategic step in integrating cultural policy into Lagos State’s broader economic development agenda. It further strengthens the government’s ambition to position Lagos as Africa’s leading cultural and creative hub.
The workshop received esteemed dignitaries, including the IGA Managing Director, Mr. Mogbolahan Ajala (Council Consultant); Oba Ayangburen of Ikorodu Land, HRM Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi (represented by his chiefs); Chief Tajudeen Muili (the Osin Egungun of Oregun); and senior directors from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, Director (Administration and Human Resources).
