The Eko Tourism Foundation has intensified efforts to promote Lagos as a leading global destination for cultural tourism, with former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stating that the state holds strong potential to compete with top tourism capitals worldwide through its cultural and creative strengths.
Mohammed, who chairs the foundation’s Governing Council, made this known on Monday during a visit by the foundation to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art located at Pan-Atlantic University.
In a statement signed by the Head of Strategic Communications in his media office, Nnamdi Atupulazi, he emphasized that Lagos possesses rich historical, artistic, and cultural assets that could attract global attention and investment if properly developed and promoted.
“This visit is not a courtesy call. It is a statement of intent.
“The Eko Tourism Foundation is declaring, in the clearest possible terms, that culture is the soul of tourism.
“No destination can successfully market itself to the world without first understanding, preserving and celebrating what makes it unique,” he stated.
He described the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art as “a sanctuary of memory, identity and civilisation,” adding that institutions of its kind are vital for strengthening tourism, preserving heritage, and enhancing Nigeria’s cultural image internationally.
He also commended art collector and philanthropist Yemisi Shyllon for his contributions to preserving Nigerian art and history through the museum.
According to him, Lagos has a wide range of untapped advantages across music, film, fashion, cuisine, architecture, and visual arts that can be leveraged to expand the tourism sector.
“Our mission is bold and unapologetic: we exist to bring the world to Lagos.
“Not just for our beaches or business districts, not just for the energy and spectacle of Detty December, but for our history, our heritage sites, our food, our music, our film industry, our arts, our fashion and our architecture,” he said.
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He drew comparisons with global cities such as Paris, New York City, and Cairo, noting that their strong cultural institutions and heritage sites continue to attract millions of tourists annually.
Mohammed also observed that the Yemisi Shyllon Museum is increasingly drawing international visitors interested in Nigerian art and creative expression.
He called for deeper collaboration among museums, universities, galleries, and tourism stakeholders to strengthen Lagos’ cultural tourism ecosystem.
“The mission of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum aligns naturally with ours.
“Together, institutions like this can help place Lagos firmly on the global cultural tourism map and redefine how the world experiences Nigeria,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to the management of Pan-Atlantic University and the museum for hosting the delegation, noting that the visit had further reinforced the foundation’s commitment to its vision.
“We leave here not just inspired, but even more determined to bring the world to Lagos,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the YMSA, Adedotun Sulaiman, said the institution is ready to collaborate with the Eko Tourism Foundation to achieve the shared goal of “Bringing the World to Lagos.”
Other notable attendees included Karl Hala, Erelu Abimbola Dosunmu, Enase Okonedo, Jess Castellote, and Prince Yemisi Shyllon, among others.
In recent years, Lagos has increasingly positioned itself as a major tourism and creative hub in Nigeria, with stakeholders highlighting its cultural and creative industries as key drivers for economic diversification and global recognition.