Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has stressed the importance of culture and heritage in building a thriving and sustainable tourism economy, describing the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art as a major asset in Lagos State’s ambition to become a globally recognised cultural destination.

Speaking during a strategic visit to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University, Mohammed said tourism cannot flourish without identity, memory, and authentic cultural experiences that reflect the soul of a people.

According to him, institutions such as the museum play a vital role in preserving Nigeria’s artistic heritage while also projecting a more compelling image of Lagos and the country to the international community.

“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,” Mohammed stated.

“What has been built here at YSMA represents exactly the kind of cultural destination that belongs on the itinerary of every visitor to Lagos,” he added.

The visit was organised as part of a broader engagement between the museum and members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation, reflecting growing collaboration between tourism stakeholders, cultural institutions, and the creative economy in Lagos State.

The delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo, alongside the Chairman of the museum’s Supervisory Council, Yemisi Shyllon, Museum Director Jess Castellote, and other university officials and cultural stakeholders.

The engagement featured presentations outlining the museum’s long-term vision, educational impact, and contributions to community development, particularly within the rapidly expanding Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State.

Guests were also shown a documentary highlighting the museum’s educational programmes and outreach initiatives in surrounding communities, followed by a guided tour of its extensive art collections.

During the visit, Mohammed donated copies of his recently published book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, to the university library. The books were formally received by Prof. Okonedo on behalf of the institution.

The visit comes at a time when Lagos State is intensifying efforts to strengthen its position as a leading African destination for culture, entertainment, heritage, and tourism.

Analysts say institutions like YSMA are increasingly becoming critical to that ambition, not only because of their cultural value but also because of their potential to attract international visitors, support research and scholarship, and stimulate economic activity through creative tourism.

Established in 2019, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art is recognised as Nigeria’s first purpose-built and privately funded university museum. Over the years, it has evolved into one of West Africa’s most respected cultural institutions, housing an important collection of Nigerian art while promoting education, preservation, and public engagement.

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Dr. Castellote described the visit as evidence of the growing recognition of museums as more than exhibition spaces.

Manager of OYASA, Olumide Akinduro(left); Group General Manager, Lagos and Abuja Continental Hotels, Karl Hala; Chairman of YMSA Supervisory Council, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; Chairman YMSA Advisory Board, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman; former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ETF, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former President of LCCI, Chief Gabriel Idahosa; Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole; Director YSMA, Dr Jess Castelotte; Head of Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Temitope Falade and Communication Manager, YMSA, Mr. Solomon Nkwagu, during the visit…recently.
“It 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 said.

He further noted that the museum was established to preserve Nigerian art while making it accessible to the public through learning and active engagement.

“To see this vision align so naturally with Lagos State’s broader cultural tourism aspirations is both relevant and encouraging,” Castellote added.

Prof. Okonedo also emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships between educational institutions and the cultural sector.

“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. 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.”