The Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) has paid its first official courtesy visit to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and tourism. The high-level visit brought together key stakeholders from both institutions to explore areas of synergy in culture, education, and tourism development. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of the museum as a living archive and a hub for social impact.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Enase Okonedo, expressed delight at hosting the delegation. “It’s a pleasure to have everyone here,” she said. She thanked Prince Yemisi Shyllon for his generous donation of over 1,000 pieces of artwork to the museum. “As a university, we educate and impact society. The museum focuses on social impact, teaching, and preserving our culture. We must tell our own story. The museum is a living archive.” Prof. Okonedo added that the ETF is doing excellent work and expressed optimism that both organisations could align their interests for effective collaboration.
Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of YSMA, welcomed the guests and emphasised the museum’s role within the university. “We hope we can do great things together,” he stated. “The museum is part of the university with a mission of service to society. Art has an important place in society, and the museum gives people a feeling of appreciation and value. Your coming here will bring more life to the museum.”
Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Chairman of the Supervisory Council, expressed confidence in the museum’s future. “The future of this museum is very bright,” he noted, commending the management and acknowledging the significant contributions of Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman of the YSMA Advisory Board.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Eko Tourism Foundation, described culture as the most powerful sustainable marketing tool and the spirit that drives tourism. “This museum positions Lagos as a city of ideas. The work here presents Nigerian art and serves as a place for education. It builds the infrastructure where tourism thrives. Its presence is not ceremonial but deeply symbolic in the promotion of our heritage.” Alhaji Mohammed stressed that the ETF recognises the museum’s efforts and believes collaboration is “logical, necessary, and long overdue.” He added: “We want to both inspire and live with the legacy.”
Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administrative), praised the museum’s growing legacy and traction. He highlighted the rapid development in the Ibeju-Lekki axis and the need for strategic planning to harness its cultural and tourism potential.
Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman of the YSMA Advisory Board, described the gathering as a meeting of like-minded individuals. “Lagos needs to show more,” he said, calling for the establishment of a world-class metropolitan museum.
The visit included a guided tour of the museum and photography sessions. Both organisations expressed a strong commitment to future partnerships that will promote Nigerian arts, culture, and tourism while contributing to national development.