Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described youths in the state as highly creative and resilient, calling on them to continue driving innovation within Lagos’ expanding creative ecosystem.
The governor made this remark on Tuesday during a question-and-answer session at the Storytellers’ Conference held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos thrives on energy, determination and resilience, noting that both the state and the country are filled with talented young people whose potentials are yet to be fully harnessed.
According to him, thousands of gifted youths are still waiting for the right platforms to showcase their abilities, stressing that creativity remains a defining strength of Lagos residents.
He urged creatives to embrace perseverance, warning that innovation must be continuous to remain relevant in a competitive environment.
“Our identity lies in our refusal to give up, even in difficult moments. Once you stop innovating, someone else takes your place, so we must keep pushing forward,” he said.
Addressing concerns about trust between government and members of the creative community, the governor acknowledged that trust-building was challenging but achievable through consistency and sincerity.
He said trust grows when government policies are stable and engagement with stakeholders is honest, adding that collaboration and constructive criticism from creatives were necessary for progress.
Sanwo-Olu noted that government does not have all the answers and must rely on partnerships with creatives to shape policies and direction, while providing the right environment and support for innovation to thrive.
He identified complacency as a major threat to sustained growth in the creative sector, cautioning that early achievements should not lead to comfort or stagnation.
“Small wins should not make us relax. Creatives must continue to set higher goals and constantly ask how they can do better,” he said.
Looking ahead, the governor said his vision was to position Lagos as a global benchmark for creativity, work and quality of life, where success would be recognised internationally.
“In the next 10 years, Lagos should be a city where if you can succeed here, you can succeed anywhere in the world. It must be inclusive, opportunity-driven and a place where people can truly thrive,” he added.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to engagement, continuous improvement and inclusive growth, describing Lagos as a city determined to work for everyone.
In a keynote address titled “Culture, Heritage and the Storyteller’s Responsibility,” the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, described storytellers as powerful agents capable of shaping societies and influencing destinies.
The monarch urged young creatives to be intentional, ethical and deeply rooted in culture and heritage, noting that storytelling plays a critical role in shaping how societies think and evolve.
The Storytellers’ Conference is designed to inspire young people with unique narratives to harness creativity and digital skills for development, value promotion and positive impact across communities.Tools