Public Art Installation "Resilient Youth" Unveiled in Ikeja

In a celebration of youth creativity and urban beauty, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has unveiled a new public sculpture titled "Resilient Youth." The striking artwork is strategically located at the Ikeja City Mall Roundabout, a high-traffic hub in the state capital.

The sculpture was created by Mr. Olaoke Wale, a former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who served with the Ministry of Tourism. The project received significant support from the Ministry, reflecting the state's policy of nurturing the talents of young people and providing them with platforms to showcase their work.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Aregbe noted that the installation serves as a powerful symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian youth. He emphasized that art plays a crucial role in transforming public spaces, making them more vibrant and culturally significant for residents and visitors alike.

​The event was attended by top Ministry officials and the artist’s family, who joined in celebrating Wale’s contribution to the Lagos cityscape. The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, praised the project as an example of how the state’s mentorship programs can yield tangible, beautiful results for the public.

This unveiling is part of a broader effort by the Sanwo-Olu administration to position Lagos as a global destination for arts and culture. By integrating art into infrastructure and public roundabouts, the government aims to inspire creativity among the youth while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the state's urban centers.