By Peace Udugba
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 strategic visit aimed at strengthening the role of art, heritage, and the creative economy in Lagos State’s cultural tourism ambitions.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ETF and former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, was received by the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo; the Grand Donor and Chairman of the YSMA Supervisory Council, Yemisi Shyllon; the Museum Director, Jess Castellote; and other stakeholders from the university and museum community.
The visit featured presentations on the museum’s vision and impact, a documentary screening highlighting YSMA’s educational programmes in the Ibeju-Lekki community, and a guided tour of its collections. During the engagement, Lai Mohammed also donated copies of his book Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration to the Pan-Atlantic University Library, which were received on behalf of the university community.
Strengthening Lagos’ Cultural Tourism Vision
The engagement comes as Lagos intensifies efforts to position itself as a global hub for culture, heritage, entertainment, and tourism. Within this vision, YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University are increasingly seen as key institutions for shaping cultural narratives, supporting scholarship, and strengthening tourism development in the Ibeju-Lekki corridor.
Established in 2019 as Nigeria’s first purpose-built private university museum, YSMA continues to grow as a major cultural institution in West Africa, combining a significant art collection with education and community outreach programmes.
Speaking on the visit, Museum Director Jess Castellote described the engagement as an affirmation of the museum’s expanding role in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism ecosystem.
“This visit by the Eko Tourism Foundation reflects how museums are increasingly recognised not just as cultural spaces, but as strategic drivers of tourism, education, and national identity,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor Enase Okonedo also emphasized the importance of partnerships between academia, culture, and public institutions.
“At Pan-Atlantic University, we believe strongly that universities must contribute beyond the classroom. YSMA reflects that mission through education, cultural preservation, and community engagement,” she said.
Lai Mohammed, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of culture in building sustainable tourism and national identity, noting that institutions like YSMA are central to Lagos’ global cultural aspirations.
A Shared Cultural Future
The visit underscored growing collaboration between cultural, academic, and tourism stakeholders in Lagos. Participants noted that sustainable tourism development depends on strong institutions, compelling storytelling, and meaningful visitor experiences.
For YSMA, the engagement further reinforces its position as a leading cultural destination and a key contributor to Lagos State’s broader ambition of becoming a globally competitive cultural capital.
