Toke Benson-Awoyinka advocates for policy enhancement, inclusion within creative industry

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has emphasized the need for stronger policies and greater inclusion to propel the growth of the film and creative sectors, especially for women.

In her keynote address at the 2025 Women in Film Annual Conference held on Tuesday at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, the Commissioner described the creative industry as “a cornerstone of identity, a catalyst for socio-economic advancement, and a key element of Africa’s presence on the global stage.”

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka pointed out that while Africa is rich in talent, it flourishes only in settings where intentional policies and proactive inclusion foster growth.

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She stressed that inclusion is “non-negotiable,” underscoring the importance of ensuring women have a voice in decision-making processes that influence their narratives and leadership in the industry’s future.

“Policy power matters because it shapes the very environment in which creativity thrives. Policies determine access to funding, infrastructure, intellectual property protection, and international visibility. Without the right frameworks, talent risks being stifled, and opportunities remain untapped”, she said.

Discussing initiatives from Lagos State, the Commissioner highlighted the government’s dedication to supporting women-led projects, enhancing access to funding, and promoting fair representation. She mentioned that the state is also investing in training programs, incubators, and partnerships designed to equip creatives for both local relevance and global competition.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka encouraged attendees to evaluate whether current policies empower or hinder, facilitate opportunities or impose limitations, and to establish frameworks that will allow the next generation of women filmmakers to succeed on an international level.

“Our vision is clear: an ecosystem where no voice is silenced, no talent is wasted, and no barrier prevents women from rising as leaders and changemakers in the creative industries,” she stated.

She further encouraged leveraging policy strength to unlock markets by supporting distribution networks, embracing digital platforms, and building cross-continental partnerships that amplify African stories.

Commending FWIFT for convening the global forum, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to policies that empower, inclusion that inspires, and amplify the African creative voice, “strong, unapologetic, and unstoppable”.