The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, recently hosted the leadership and membership of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) on a familiarisation visit designed to strengthen cultural tourism and advance the positioning of Ibeju-Lekki as a premier tourism destination.
The visit, the first formal engagement between YSMA and the national tour operators’ body since the museum’s establishment, drew professionals from across Nigeria, including representatives from the North, South-South, and South-West regions. Led by NATOP President Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, the delegation toured the museum’s galleries and held strategic discussions on tourism development, heritage preservation, and destination marketing.
During the visit, the museum outlined its vision for cultural tourism within the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor, presenting YSMA as a cultural anchor within an emerging ecosystem that includes the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lakowe Lakes, Omu Resort, Eleko Beach, La Campagne Tropicana, and Jara Beach Resort. The presentation foregrounded the role of culture and heritage institutions in shaping visitor experiences and creating sustainable tourism opportunities.
•NATOP Members and YSMA Representatives after the Familiarization Visit and Tour of the MuseumMuseum Director Dr Jess Castellote said the partnership with NATOP was a deliberate step toward building an integrated ecosystem where art, heritage, and tourism converge. “YSMA is not simply a repository of art; it is a cultural destination capable of attracting global audiences and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s creative and tourism economy,” he said.
The delegation also met with Pan-Atlantic University Vice Chancellor Prof. Enase Okonedo, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to initiatives promoting culture, education, and national development. “At Pan-Atlantic University, we view the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art not only as a repository of heritage but also as a dynamic platform for education, dialogue, and cultural exchange,” she said.
NATOP President Mrs Mustapha described YSMA as among the country’s most important cultural destinations and committed the association to working closely with the museum to increase its visibility among local and international tourists. “NATOP is committed to working closely with YSMA to increase its visibility among local and international tourists and to ensure it becomes a central feature in tourism itineraries across West Africa,” she said.
The visit is expected to yield curated cultural tour packages, increased visitor traffic, and deeper integration of arts and heritage into Nigeria’s broader tourism landscape. Nigeria’s first purpose-built private university museum, YSMA continues to position itself as a leading institution at the intersection of culture, education, and public engagement.
•Images courtesy of YSMA
