Shyllon Museum Hosts Eko Tourism Foundation As Lagos Pushes Global Cultural Tourism Vision

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, on May 11, 2026, hosted a delegation of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) on a high-profile strategic visit that reinforced the growing alignment and importance of art, heritage, and the creative economy to Lagos State’s ambitions of becoming a global cultural tourism hub.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Eko Tourism Foundation and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was received by the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo; the Grand Donor and Chairman of the YSMA Supervisory Council, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; the Museum Director, Dr. Jess Castellote; and other distinguished stakeholders from the university and the museum.

The visit featured presentations on the museum’s vision and impact, a screening of a documentary on YSMA’s educational programmes within the Ibeju-Lekki community, and a guided tour of the museum’s collections. During the engagement, Alhaji Lai Mohammed also donated copies of his recent book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, to the Pan-Atlantic University Library. The books were formally received by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the university community.

Strategic Significance for YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University

The engagement comes at a significant moment in Lagos’ cultural evolution, as the state intensifies efforts to position itself as a leading global destination for culture, heritage, entertainment, and tourism. Within this broader vision, YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University represent critical educational and cultural infrastructure — institutions capable of shaping narratives, attracting international audiences, fostering scholarship, and anchoring sustainable tourism development within the rapidly transforming Ibeju-Lekki corridor.

Established in 2019 as Nigeria’s first purpose-built and privately funded university museum, YSMA is evolving into one of West Africa’s most important cultural institutions, combining a globally significant art collection with educational and community-enriching programming. By hosting the ETF leadership at this level, the museum and the University are increasingly positioned not only as custodians of national heritage, but as strategic partners in shaping the future of the state’s tourism economy. The visit reinforces YSMA’s emergence as a must-see destination for both local and international audiences, and as a gateway through which visitors engage with Nigeria’s artistic and cultural narratives.

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Museum Director, Dr. Jess Castellote, described the visit as a strong affirmation of the museum’s growing relevance within Nigeria’s tourism and cultural landscape.

“This visit by the Eko Tourism Foundation reflects an important shift in how museums are increasingly recognised, not only as cultural institutions, but as strategic drivers of tourism, education, and national identity,” he stated. “YSMA was founded with the vision of preserving Nigerian art and making it accessible to the public through learning and engagement. To see this vision align so naturally with Lagos State’s broader cultural tourism aspirations is both relevant and encouraging.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo, emphasized the importance of partnerships that connect education, culture, and public impact.

“At Pan-Atlantic University, we strongly believe that universities must contribute meaningfully to society beyond the classroom,” she remarked. “The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art embodies that commitment by serving as a centre for education, cultural preservation, and community engagement. We commend ETF for the excellent work they are doing. Collaborations and visits of this nature strengthen the role of both the university and the museum within the wider vision of Lagos as a globally competitive cultural capital.”

In his speech, Alhaji Lai Mohammed underscored the role of culture as the foundation of sustainable tourism and described YSMA as one of the kinds of institutions capable of reshaping how the world sees Lagos and Nigeria.

“Tourism thrives on identity, memory, and authentic experiences, and institutions like the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art are central to that vision,” he said. “Lagos cannot aspire to global cultural relevance without investing in and promoting places that preserve our stories, celebrate our creativity, and project the richness of our heritage to the world. What has been built here at YSMA represents exactly the kind of cultural destination that belongs on the itinerary of every visitor to Lagos.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

The convergence of YSMA, Pan-Atlantic University, and the Eko Tourism Foundation reflects a growing recognition that culture, education, and tourism must work together to shape the future of Lagos. As the state expands its ambitions beyond commerce and entertainment, institutions such as YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University are increasingly becoming part of the infrastructure required to position Lagos as a globally competitive destination defined not only by energy and enterprise, but also by heritage, creativity, and intellectual depth.

Tourism, as highlighted during the visit, is an ecosystem that thrives on strong institutions, compelling narratives, and meaningful visitor experiences. By fostering deeper collaboration between museums, universities, policymakers, and the creative industries, Lagos is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and culturally driven tourism economy.

For YSMA, the visit further affirms its evolving role as more than a repository of Nigerian art and heritage. It strengthens the museum’s position as a leading cultural destination and an active contributor to the broader vision of Lagos as a world-class centre for arts, culture, learning, and tourism.