The Lagos State government is strengthening the use of cultural heritage, skills development and tourism initiatives to expand its creative economy and create opportunities for young people.

The director of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), Idowu Johnson, said this in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Lagos.

MrJohnson said the government had supported cultural festivals, youth programmes and heritage preservation initiatives to promote tourism and encourage young people to participate in the creative sector.

The director said LSCAC was also adapting cultural presentations to make them more accessible and appealing to younger generations.

He explained that culture evolved with society and that traditional practices could be presented in ways that remained relevant to contemporary audiences.

“Culture is the way of life of people; the way they worship, eat, drink and dress.

“Culture is not static. Culture evolves.

“We are now bringing to the fore things that can make the younger generation identify with their culture,” he said.

He cited examples, including the Agamemo Festival in Ikorodu, as part of activities promoting cultural awareness and providing opportunities for community participation.

According to Mr Johnson, the government was encouraging young people to develop their creative skills and use them to generate income.

He said the Eko Creative Summit, organised in July by the council in collaboration with Rhoda Johnson Media, provided a platform for emerging creatives to explore entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable careers.

Mr Johnson said skills development remained essential to helping young people turn their talents into viable businesses.

He added that the state was collaborating with the Federal Government on cultural programmes, including the National Festival of Arts and Culture, scheduled to hold from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28 in Enugu.

He said Lagos would participate in the festival alongside other states through traditional sports and other cultural activities.

Mr Johnson also cited government interventions at cultural and tourist sites, including the Shungweredo Monument in Ikorodu, Freedom Park, the National Theatre and attractions in Badagry.

He said such interventions were intended to preserve heritage, improve tourist attractions and encourage more people to engage with the state’s cultural assets.

Mr Johnson said sustained investment, collaboration and skills development were necessary to increase the contribution of culture to tourism, employment and economic growth. 

(NAN)