Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has highlighted the critical role of indigenous culture as the bedrock of sustainable tourism. Speaking during a strategic visit to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University, he described the museum as a model institution capable of reshaping global perceptions of Lagos and Nigeria.
Mohammed noted that tourism thrives on identity, memory, and authentic experiences, with institutions like YSMA central to that vision. He stated, "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."
Strategic Visit to YSMA
The delegation, led by Mohammed, included members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF). They were received by the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo; Chairman of the YSMA Supervisory Council, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; Museum Director, Dr. Jess Castellote; and other key stakeholders. The visit featured presentations on the museum's vision and impact, a documentary screening on its educational programs in the Ibeju-Lekki community, and a guided tour of the collections.
During the engagement, Mohammed donated copies of his book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, to the Pan-Atlantic University Library, received by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the university community.
YSMA's Role in Lagos' Cultural Evolution
The visit comes at a pivotal time as Lagos intensifies efforts to become a leading global destination for culture, heritage, entertainment, and tourism. YSMA and Pan-Atlantic University are seen as critical educational and cultural infrastructure, capable of shaping narratives, attracting international audiences, fostering scholarship, and anchoring sustainable tourism development in the rapidly transforming Ibeju-Lekki corridor.
Established in 2019 as Nigeria's first purpose-built, 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 programs.
Expert Perspectives
Museum Director Dr. Jess Castellote described the visit as a strong affirmation of the museum's growing relevance. He stated, "It reflects an important shift in how museums are increasingly recognized, not only as cultural institutions, but as strategic drivers of tourism, education, and national identity. 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."
Prof. Enase Okonedo, Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, emphasized the importance of partnerships connecting education, culture, and public impact. She remarked, "At Pan-Atlantic University, we strongly believe that universities must contribute meaningfully to society beyond the classroom. The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art embodies that commitment by serving as a centre for education, cultural preservation, and community engagement. 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."
