Sanwo-Olu warns against creative complacency, calls for renewed vigour

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Lagos youths as being creative and resilient, urging them to sustain innovation in the state’s ever growing creative ecosystem.

Sanwo-Olu said this 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.

He said that Lagos was driven by energy and resilience, noting that the state and Nigeria were filled with talented young people yet to be discovered.

“There are thousands of gifted young Nigerians waiting for the right platform.

“The energy, creativity and resilience of Lagos people define who we are,” the governor said.

He harped on the importance of perseverance, urging creative minds not to give up in the face of challenges.

“Our identity is the ability not to give up, to face difficult moments and keep pushing forward.

” Once you stop innovating, someone else steps in. That is why we must always push ourselves,” he said.

Responding to concerns about trust between government and creatives, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that building trust was challenging but achievable through consistency and sincerity.

“Trust is built through consistent policies and honest engagement. When people see sincerity, they begin to believe that government is a genuine partner,” he said.

The governor said that government does not claim to have all the answers, adding that collaboration and constructive criticisms from creatives were essential.

“We need you to challenge us, push us and help shape the direction.

“Government must provide the environment, policies and support, while creatives do what they do best,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu identified complacency as a major threat to the creative momentum in Lagos, warning that early successes should not breed comfort.

“We must not get comfortable with small wins; Complacency can slow us down. Creatives must keep setting higher goals and asking how to be better tomorrow,” he said.

He added that continuous learning from experiences would help both government and stakeholders improve outcomes and build stronger working relationships.

Looking ahead, the governor said that his vision was for Lagos to become a global benchmark for work, creativity and quality of life.

“In 10 years, Lagos should be the city where if you can succeed here, you can succeed anywhere in the world.

“It must be inclusive, full of opportunities and a place where people can truly thrive,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continuous improvement, engagement and inclusive growth, describing Lagos as a city determined to work for everyone.

In a keynote address themed “Culture, Heritage and the Storyteller’s Responsibility,” the Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri, described storytellers as powerful forces capable of shaping destiny and influencing societies.

Quoting late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, the traditional ruler said that storytellers shape how societies think and evolve, and urged young creatives to be intentional, ethical and rooted in culture and heritage.

The Storytellers’ Conference targets young people with unique narratives, encouraging them to deploy creativity and digital skills to drive development, promote positive values and inspire impact across communities.