Nov. 26, 2021

The Lagos State government says plans are underway to organise a mega Arts and Craft exhibition that will empower and boost youth employment in Y2022.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, disclosed this recently at a press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, noting that the mandate of the Ministry encapsulates Tourism, Arts and Culture and it remains committed to achieving the tripartite responsibility assigned, with numerous activities that run throughout the year.

She explained that a number of Arts and Cultural events have been executed by the Ministry, as well as in partnership with private stakeholders, to enhance the State’s rich heritage.

“The Arts and Culture exhibition that we are planning in the next quarter is going to be a very big one; this is where we will be promoting people in the Arts and Craft sector to ensure that we expose them to business and markets. On cultural and traditional activities, we have been supportive as well. We have partnered with the private sector to activate different traditional festivals and we will continue in that direction in the coming year”, Akinbile-Yussuf said.

Speaking on the efforts by the State to enhance local tourism development, the Commissioner mentioned that it has already started implementing the Community Based Tourism (CBT) plans, urging residents of various communities across the State to be more receptive to tourists and also strive to create a positive impression about the State at all times.

“With this effort, we have been able to identify different tourism potentials in some locations and we are going to collaborate with the Local Government Administrators as well as Community Development Associations and ensure that other relevant individuals and groups in the area key into the vision”, Akinbile-Yussuf said.

She encouraged unemployed youths in Lagos to take advantage of opportunities available in the sector, noting that arts and craft, especially the production of items of cultural and aesthetic values, can be purchased as souvenirs by continental and international tourists coming into Lagos.

Akinbile-Yussuf affirmed that there is now peace in Lagos State, which could attract more people to visit and create job opportunities, adding that residents need to present the country in good light and be more receptive to visitors.