Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has been recognized as one of Lagos’s “Eko Best 11” achievers, taking the coveted position of Eko Best 4 at this year’s Eko Mi Awards.
EpeInsights reports that the glitzy ceremony, organised by Image Expression (publisher of Eko Mi and Eko E newspapers), unfolded at Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA, on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Representing the Commissioner was the Director of Administration & Human Resources at the Ministry, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, who accepted the award alongside the Ministry’s management staff.
The accolade acknowledges Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka’s unwavering dedication to developing Lagos’s tourism sector, showcasing its artistry and heritage, and boosting its cultural profile.
About the Eko Mi Awards
Initiated in 2024, the annual Eko Mi Awards celebrates outstanding contributions to Lagos’s socio-economic and cultural tapestry. At its core are two categories:
- Special Recognition Awards for brands and institutions.
- The coveted Eko Best 11, spotlighting eleven individuals who have exemplified leadership, innovation, and transformative impact across key sectors.
Last night’s ceremony was both elegant and spirited, with guests cheering the iconic awardees as each name was announced.
Honouring Lagos’s Leading Changemakers
The “Eko Best 11” awardees include a diverse lineup of high-profile changemakers:
- Tokunbo Philip Wahab – Commissioner for the Environment & Water Resources
- Architect Gbolahan Owodunni Oki – GM, LASBCA
- Folashade Nimota Okoya – MD, Eleganza Industrial City
- Toke Benson-Awoyinka – Commissioner, Tourism, Arts & Culture (Eko Best 4)
- Hon. James Abiodun Faleke – House of Representatives
- Seun Osiyemi – Commissioner for Transportation
- Tokunbo Ajanaku – Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs
- Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku – Chairman, Ojodu LCDA
- HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) – Elegushi of Ikate
- Shuaheeb Olabode Agoro – Lagos Head of Service
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Executive Governor of Lagos State.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka’s recognition reflects her critical role in enriching Lagos’s cultural and tourism landscape attracting visitors, preserving heritage and stimulating creative industries.
At the awards, Mr. Dosunmu expressed the Ministry’s gratitude: “We are honored to receive this recognition on behalf of our commissioner. It reflects our shared passion and commitment to showcasing Lagos as Africa’s hub of cultural excellence.”
As Lagos continues its drive to position itself as a global tourism destination, Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka’s award signals growing confidence in the state’s creative sector strategies, ranging from cultural festivals and artisan campaigns to strategic partnerships and heritage conservation.
This accolade also contributes to building momentum for upcoming initiatives, including monthly cultural roadshows, gallery upgrades and a push for sector-wide public-private synergy.
