February 14, (THEWILL) – The Lagos Tourism, Arts & Craft Exhibition, held on February 13, 2025, at the prestigious Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, was a spectacle of creativity, culture, and passion. Hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, the event brought together artists, dignitaries, and culture enthusiasts under the theme “The Art of Love in Lagos.”
From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed with an immersive cultural experience. At the gallery entrance, a vibrant troupe of dancers set the stage, their rhythmic movements and melodious drums filling the air with excitement. Ten elegantly dressed women, adorned in beautifully tied ‘gele’, stood as cultural symbols, representing Nigeria’s rich heritage. Their presence added a striking visual element, emphasising the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive in modern Lagos.
Lagos Tourism Never Sleeps
Honourable Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming Lagos into a year-round tourism hub. “We don’t have to wait until December to think about Lagos. We are creating activities every month and every weekend to ensure Lagos remains vibrant”, he stated. His words reflected the state’s vision of Lagos, where arts, culture, music, and tourism thrive beyond seasonal festivities.
He acknowledged the presence of foreign tourists and stressed the importance of accessibility. “Managing tourists in Lagos is about ensuring they have seamless experiences. We need to enhance visa processes to encourage more visitors”, he remarked. Further stressing that Lagos should be a place where creatives can turn their passion into profit, as the government continues to invest in arts, culture, and entertainment.
The Exhibition: Platform for Young Creatives
A key highlight of the event was the students’ exhibition, which showcased breathtaking works from young artists. The initiative aimed to “discover them young,” providing these budding creatives with exposure and opportunities to excel in the art industry. Chief Nike Okundaye, a legendary figure in Nigerian art, led the dignitaries through the exhibition, ensuring that each young artist felt seen and appreciated.
Representatives from the United States, Chinese, and German embassies were among the prominent figures who participated in selecting winners. The first prize, chosen by the Chinese delegation, was awarded to a talented young painter. The German selected a female artist for second place, while the U.S. Embassy awarded third place to an artist who used an innovative textile technique, hand-painted fabric using chicken feathers and cassava paste. This rare artistic expression, rooted in Nigerian tradition, fascinated many and highlighted the depth of local creativity.
The winners were not only celebrated but also rewarded handsomely, with the Special Adviser to the Governor announcing cash prizes: N1 million for first place, N500,000 for second place, and N400,000 for third place. This initiative reinforced Lagos State’s commitment to supporting young artists and ensuring their crafts gain national and international recognition.
Art: Power to Unite and Inspire
Chinyere Ibenye, Vice President of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria, expressed her admiration for the initiative. She urged the Lagos State Government to expand such events to accommodate more school children and young artists. “Art is the only form that outlives others because it tells the story of our society. These paintings and sculptures will be studied in art history classes even 200 years from now”, she noted.
Nneka Isaac-Moses, co-founder of Goge Africa, Destination West Africa Project, and Goge Africa Foundation, also emphasised the emotional and unifying power of art. “What is art without heart? Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria, and hosting an art-for-love event here today shows that we are on the right path,” she said. She reminisced about FESTAC ’77, a monumental festival that united Africans through arts and culture, and hoped that similar events would continue to promote unity in Nigeria.
Tour to the Exhibition Centre: Encouragement for Future Nigeria’s Art
The event reached its grand climax as dignitaries took a final tour of the exhibition, led by Chief Nike Okundaye. This tour was not just ceremonial; it served as a source of encouragement for the young artists who had poured their passion into their works. Honourable Idris Aregbe and the representatives from the U.S., China, Germany, and other diplomatic missions took time to interact with the students, appreciating their dedication and talent.
The overwhelming success of the Lagos Tourism, Arts & Craft Exhibition left attendees hopeful for more. As the evening wrapped up, one message rang clear: Lagos is not just a city of commerce but also a thriving centre for arts, culture, and creativity. Events like this will ensure that Lagos remains on the global cultural map, not just in December but every single day of the year.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
