11th July, 2014
Quintessential art collector, Prince Yemisi Shyllon was among nine Nigerians honoured by the UFUK Dialogue Foundation at the 2014 edition of the organisation’s Peace and Dialogue Award which was held on Thursday evening at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
The art collector who is the founder of Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), a non-profit organisation established in 2007 to promote the appreciation and study of Nigerian arts and artists, making the collection available to museums, educational institutions, and scholars was presented with Culture Award. The UFUK Foundation recognised Shyllon for using art as a platform for promoting peace and international relations.
Specifically, the Turkish Foundation gave the award to Prince Shyllon for facilitating and packaging 10 Nigerian artists to exhibit with their Turkish counterparts in the last African Union summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The exhibition was part of one year touring exhibition of the artistes to Turkey and three cities in the United States of America. Also honoured by the Foundation was Femi Adesina, President, Nigeria Guild of Editors.
He was honoured for using his columns to ventilate wide perspective of opinions which, according to the Foundation, promotes unity and serve as a platform of dialogue between the north, south, east and western part of the country.
Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, President, Conference of Catholic Bishop of Nigeria and Professor Isaq Oloyede, Secretary General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs were also honored.
The two religious leaders were honoured for their contributions in fostering dialogue in religious societies and encouraging their followers to work on dialogue and peace.
Others presented with award at the ceremony included Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Fund; Dr. Joseph Golwa, Secretary General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the President of Federation of Muslim Women Societies of Nigeria among others.