The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with Eye Culture, has introduced a cultural education initiative aimed at reconnecting children with their heritage and strengthening their understanding of Lagos’ history, traditions and identity.
The initiative, Àṣà Mi: My Culture, My Identity, was held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Juicy Lagos, Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, bringing together young Lagosians for an immersive learning experience focused on culture, creativity and practical skills.
From an education perspective, the programme goes beyond cultural entertainment by providing children with opportunities to learn through practical experiences. Participants were exposed to activities including sewing and crafts, art and craft displays, hairstyling, and tie-and-dye, allowing them to acquire creative and vocational skills while learning about cultural practices.
The initiative is also designed to address the growing concern about children becoming disconnected from their cultural roots. By introducing cultural education through hands-on activities, Àṣà Mi seeks to help young people understand the values, traditions and history that have shaped Lagos society.
Speaking at the programme, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, stressed the importance of deliberately involving children in cultural preservation.
He said no government could sustain its cultural heritage without engaging the younger generation, adding that children must be educated about their roots if they are to become responsible custodians of the State’s cultural legacy.
“The best thing for Lagos is to promote its culture and ensure that it is sustained. Àṣà Mi is necessary for our children to understand our culture, become more responsible, and appreciate what we stand for as a people,” Aregbe said.
He further identified cultural education as an important tool for addressing some of the social challenges confronting young people, particularly the growing detachment from traditional values.
“We need to look back, carry them along, engage them, train them, and let them understand what is right and what is wrong,” he added.
The programme demonstrates how cultural activities can complement formal education by developing creativity, practical skills, teamwork and an appreciation of heritage. It also provides children with opportunities to discover traditional crafts that could potentially serve as foundations for future creative and vocational careers.
Aregbe said the practical sessions were deliberately designed not only to promote cultural awareness but also to expose children to skills rooted in Lagos’ traditions.
He commended Eye Culture for the partnership and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes that combine cultural awareness with youth development.
The event attracted officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, representatives of Eye Culture, partner organisations and young Lagosians who actively participated in the various learning activities.
The Lagos State Government said it would continue to support youth-focused cultural initiatives, emphasising that educating children about their heritage is essential to preserving Lagos’ cultural identity and ensuring its transmission to future generations.
From the education standpoint, Àṣà Mi highlights the value of integrating culture, creativity and practical learning into children’s development, while positioning young Lagosians not merely as beneficiaries of cultural heritage but as future custodians of it.
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