Lagos is strengthening its global cultural leadership through strategic international partnerships, following high-level talks between the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and senior officials of the French Embassy and Consulate in Ikoyi.
The meeting, held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, was led by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka. She was joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson; Head of Legal, Mrs. Eunice Ibitola; and Deputy Director, Monuments Department, Mrs. Folashade Jide-Oyesola. Representing France were the Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Laurent Favier; Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy, Mr. Thierry Valentin; Audio-Visual Attaché, Mr. Christophe Pecot; and Cultural Attaché, Ms. Emmanuelle Harang.
Central to the discussions were two landmark French-supported initiatives slated for October: a Fela Exhibition and a Cultural Conference expected to attract between 800 and 1,200 participants. Both events are designed to spotlight Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the world stage while fostering creative exchange and collaboration.
Speaking after the meeting, Benson-Awoyinka emphasized that Lagos remains a magnet for global cultural engagement, with its creative economy—spanning film, fashion, music, animation, and documentary production—continuing to thrive.
“Lagos is Africa’s creative heartbeat, and partnerships like this ensure our heritage is preserved while our creative industries continue to flourish,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to heritage protection under the Lagos State Preservation Law of 2011, which safeguards monuments and cultural assets. She also revealed plans to deepen cooperation with European Union cultural bodies to support capacity building, policy development, and cultural conservation.
The commissioner disclosed that follow-up meetings will be held with French cultural agencies to formalize collaboration and align with the Ministry’s strategic priorities.
Highlighting Lagos’ recent investments in culture, Benson-Awoyinka noted that the state government funded over 140 cultural festivals and events with ₦8.4 billion in the last year alone, cementing its reputation as Africa’s cultural capital.
