The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on Tuesday received a delegation from the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and Sterling Bank at her office in Alausa, Ikeja, to explore potential collaboration in promoting the state’s creative and cultural sectors.
The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer of AFRIMA, Mr. Michael Dada, alongside Sterling Bank’s Tourism and Creative Arts Business Manager, Mrs. Abiola Adelana, and Lady Ayomide.
Welcoming the team, Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka expressed the state government’s readiness to partner with key industry stakeholders to advance Lagos as Africa’s leading destination for cultural tourism, music, and entertainment.
“Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s creative economy and we are keen on strategic partnerships that can enhance our global standing. AFRIMA and Sterling Bank are important collaborators in this regard,” she said.
Mr. Dada commended the Lagos State Government for its support of the arts and highlighted AFRIMA’s role in showcasing African musical talent to the world. He noted that Lagos remains a key location in the awards’ success story and expressed optimism about deepened cooperation for future events.
Mrs. Adelana also emphasized Sterling Bank’s continued commitment to financing and promoting initiatives that empower creatives, adding that the bank is ready to support Lagos in realizing its vision for tourism and cultural development.
The courtesy visit is part of broader efforts to align private sector partnerships with Lagos State’s strategic objectives in the creative industry, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda.
