The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has described the newly launched Lagos Creative Vault as a groundbreaking initiative set to redefine Nigeria’s creative economy.
Describing the Vault as a visionary platform, Benson-Awoyinka said it will function as a digital hub for filmmakers, animators, musicians, writers, and visual artists in Lagos to showcase their work, gain global visibility, and connect with potential partners and investors.
“This is a game-changer. Through this initiative, Lagos is building a future where talent meets opportunity and creativity drives inclusive economic growth,” she said in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos.
Curated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Creative Vault aligns with the state government’s ongoing commitment to empower the creative sector.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, the Vault is designed to serve as a digital archive, talent accelerator, and a gateway to global opportunities. It provides structured access to funding, training, mentorship, and international collaborations.
“The Vault is not just a repository but a matchmaking platform, enabling creatives to access grants, residencies, and licensing deals. It lays the foundation for a sustainable and monetisable creative economy,” she explained.
The commissioner emphasised that the initiative reflects the ministry’s broader vision to professionalise the creative industry, preserve cultural heritage, and attract foreign investment by connecting stakeholders across the value chain in a structured system.
In further highlighting the ministry’s recent achievements, Benson-Awoyinka disclosed that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board had issued over 1,100 film permits in the last 12 months to support documentaries, feature films, commercials, and short films—signifying a vibrant and dynamic film environment.
She also celebrated the international recognition of My Father’s Shadow, a Nigerian film selected for screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. “This is a global endorsement of our storytelling prowess and cultural strength. It affirms that Nigerian content is not only locally relevant but also globally compelling,” she stated.
Benson-Awoyinka praised the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board’s recent endorsement of Funke Akindele’s movie Everybody Loves Jenifa, describing it as a critical step in institutional support for high-quality, homegrown narratives.
She further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing the ‘Skill-Up Lagos’ programme, which trained 50 youths in indigenous raffia basket weaving, and the Guinness World Record attempt by Fola David for the world’s longest drawing, as powerful symbols of Lagos’ creativity and resilience.
“Lagos is not just a city of dreams—it is a city where creativity is nurtured, talent is empowered, and the arts are given the space to flourish,” she concluded.