In a move to strengthen ties with Nigeria’s premier travel professionals, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, recently hosted the leadership and members of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
This is a landmark familiarization visit aimed at strengthening cultural tourism and advancing the positioning of Ibeju-Lekki as one of the most promising tourism destinations in the country.
The visit marked the first official engagement between YSMA and the national body of tour operators since the museum’s establishment, bringing together tourism professionals from across Nigeria, including representatives from the North, South-South, and South-West regions. Led by the President of NATOP, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, the delegation toured the museum’s galleries and participated in strategic conversations around tourism development, heritage preservation, and destination marketing.
As part of the engagement, the museum presented its broader vision for cultural tourism within the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor, positioning YSMA as a key cultural anchor within an emerging tourism ecosystem that includes the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lakowe Lakes, Omu Resort, Eleko Beach, La Campagne Tropicana, and Jara Beach Resort among others. The presentation emphasized the role of culture and heritage institutions in driving visitor experiences, shaping narratives about Nigeria, and creating sustainable tourism opportunities.
Speaking during the visit, Museum Director, Dr. Jess Castellote, highlighted the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions and the tourism sector in expanding Nigeria’s global visibility.
“We are intentional about building a sustainable ecosystem where art, heritage, and tourism intersect to tell a stronger story of Nigeria,” he said. “This visit by NATOP is significant because it connects the museum directly with the professionals shaping travel experiences across the country. 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.”
A major highlight of the visit was a courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo, who welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote culture, education, and national development.
“Tourism and culture are powerful instruments for shaping national identity and strengthening international engagement,” the Vice Chancellor remarked. “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. We commend NATOP for its leadership in advancing tourism in Nigeria and appreciate its efforts in helping showcase the richness of our cultural heritage to wider audiences.”
Responding to the museum’s vision and offerings, NATOP President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha described YSMA as one of the country’s most important cultural destinations and pledged stronger collaboration between the association and the museum.
“The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art represents the kind of world-class experience that today’s travellers are looking for,” she stated. “Beyond its remarkable collections, the museum offers an authentic cultural encounter that enriches how visitors understand Nigeria through its programmes and activities. 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.”
The visit is expected to open new pathways for collaboration between YSMA and tour operators nationwide, including the development of curated cultural tour packages, increased visitor traffic to the museum, and stronger integration of arts and heritage into Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
As Nigeria’s first purpose-built private university museum, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art continues to work with key industry stakeholders and to position itself as a leading institution at the intersection of culture, education, and public engagement – using art not only to preserve history, but also to shape the future of cultural tourism in Nigeria and beyond.
About Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Voted Museum Opening of the Year by Apollo Magazine in 2020, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University is Nigeria’s leading university art museum, committed to service and impact through the preservation and showcase of the rich artistic heritage of Nigeria. With an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries, YSMA offers a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and activities designed to create immersive experiences for visitors and to enrich the cultural landscape of the nation. To learn more about the YSMA and its initiatives, visit www.museum.pau.edu.ng.
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