The Lagos State Government said it has empowered over 1000 creatives through the Skill Up Lagos initiative to build sustainable livelihoods for the upcoming artists and accelerate economic growth. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide SanwoOlu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, confirmed this during the 2026 ministerial press briefing.
According to him, over the last 24 months, his office has empowered more than 1,000 creatives through the Skill Up Lagos Initiative, channeled through the Lagos Cultural Mission.
Aregbe said the programme creates a structured platform for upcoming artists, designers, performers, and cultural entrepreneurs to acquire skills, gain visibility, and build sustainable livelihoods from their creativity.
He added: “This is governance with a human face, investing directly in the people who give Lagos its soul.” The governor’s aide said Aregbe said the Cook Lagos, Eat Lagos, a landmark gastronomy initiative conceived and driven by his office, has helped to redefine how the world experiences Lagos through food.
He said: “The Lagos Cultural Mission is the overarching framework through which the Office of the Special Adviser drives cultural diplomacy, arts development and creative economy programming.
