The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on Wednesday welcomed an influential delegation of stakeholders from the film and creative industry to her office at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
The high-profile courtesy visit was aimed at exploring strategic collaborations that would reinforce Lagos’ status as Africa’s premier hub for tourism, film, and cultural innovation.
Leading the delegation was renowned Nigerian fashion designer and filmmaker, Ugo Mezie, alongside Ijeoma Onah, Chief Executive/Content Officer of Farabove International Services; Abiola Adelana, Tourism and Creative Business Manager at Sterling Bank; Chioma Ude, Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); and Moses Babatope, CEO of UK-based film distribution company, Talking Drum Entertainment.
The discussions centred on fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing global visibility for Lagos-based creatives, and creating sustainable platforms for film financing, distribution, and talent development.
Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka expressed the state government’s continued commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to support initiatives that drive economic growth through the creative economy.
“This administration recognises the immense potential of the creative industry as a driver of job creation, cultural diplomacy, and tourism promotion,” she said. “We are committed to building strong collaborations with both local and international stakeholders to ensure Lagos remains a global beacon of creativity and cultural excellence.”
The visit concluded with a shared resolve to develop actionable frameworks that will expand investment in the sector, boost youth participation, and position Lagos as the creative capital of Africa.
