- Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has asserted that Lagos possesses the artistic and historical depth to rival major tourism hubs like Paris and New York.
- Speaking as the Chairman of the Eko Tourism Foundation’s Governing Council, Mohammed emphasized that “culture is the soul of tourism” during a visit to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University.
- The foundation aims to move beyond “Detty December” spectacle to market Lagos’s heritage, architecture, and visual arts as sustainable drivers for international investment and travel.
During a high-profile visit to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art on Monday, Lai Mohammed declared that the state’s historical and creative assets are underutilized resources that can redefine Nigeria’s international profile.
Eko Hot Blog reports that he argued that while Lagos is famous for its energy and business districts, its true power as a destination lies in its “sanctuaries of memory”, the museums, galleries, and heritage sites that tell the story of African civilization.
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Mohammed praised philanthropist Prince Yemisi Shyllon for his role in preserving Nigerian art, noting that the museum is already a major draw for international visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
He called for a “bold and unapologetic” mission to bring the world to Lagos, focusing on the city’s unique advantages in music, film, fashion, and cuisine.
By fostering stronger collaborations between universities, galleries, and tourism stakeholders, the foundation believes Lagos can achieve a status similar to Cairo or London.
The visit saw participation from key advisory and governing council members, including Chief Gabriel Idahosa and Erelu Abimbola Dosunmu, signaling a unified front among cultural leaders.
As the government continues to look toward the creative industries to diversify the economy, this renewed focus on cultural tourism represents a strategic shift toward high-value, heritage-based travel that promises to place Lagos firmly on the global map.
