By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN/JOAN ODAFE

Lagos State Government on Thursday announced the maiden edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is part of efforts to harness the creativity of young people and promote the state’s cultural heritage.

Ms Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, announced this on Thursday in Lagos.

Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, she said the initiative was a strategic intervention under the entertainment and tourism pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

According to her, the competition will discover, nurture and showcase artistic talents across Lagos.

” It will also foster entrepreneurship in the creative sector, promote cultural heritage and develop skills that support sustainable economic growth.

“Within our classrooms are young artists, sculptors and creative thinkers whose gifts must be encouraged, refined and projected to the world.

“This platform will enable them to express their thoughts, aspirations and ideas while also preserving our cultural identity for future generations,” she said.

Ayinde-Marshal disclosed that the registration portal for the competition had been launched and would serve as the primary platform for eligible students to register and submit their entries.

“Participation is strictly limited to students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

The SSA said the registration for the competition would run from Sept. 11 to Sept. 18 on the portal: https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com

According to her, participation is free, and divided into two categories – one for secondary schools and another for tertiary institutions.

While the competition is expected to hold between Sept. 18 and Oct. 2.

She urged school administrators, parents, teachers and guardians to encourage students and their wards to take advantage of the opportunity.

The winners will receive the grand prize of one-year scholarships, including mentorship opportunities, exhibitions and potential industry partnerships.

” The winners will gain exposure to mentorship, exhibitions and potential partnerships in the creative industry.”

Ayinde-Marshal also commended Sanwo-Olu for his “unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, tourism development and the promotion of arts and crafts”.

She appealed to the media to give the competition wide publicity. (NAN)