In a significant show of support for the current administration’s cultural initiatives, the Ooni of Ife and global patron of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing culture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national identity, unity, and international relations.
The remarks were made during a high-profile press conference at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos, organized by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) as part of ongoing preparations for a landmark global cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil.
The event, which highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, was attended by diplomats, cultural experts, and media representatives.
A statement issued by Caleb Nor, Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary of NICO, detailed the Ooni’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s efforts in fostering an environment that formally recognizes and celebrates Nigeria’s rich traditional heritage and spiritual institutions.
In his address, the Ooni emphasized the administration’s role in revitalizing cultural values on both national and global stages. “We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” the Ooni stated, as quoted in the NICO statement. “Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity.
President Tinubu’s leadership is not only helping to reposition our cultural values on the global stage but bringing us back to the very essence of our existence.”
The Ooni’s commendation comes at a time when Nigeria is increasingly leveraging its cultural assets for diplomatic and economic gains. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, initiatives have been rolled out to integrate cultural heritage into national policies, including support for traditional festivals, heritage preservation, and international collaborations.
This aligns with WOOCON’s mission, which promotes the global awareness and preservation of Orisha traditions—rooted in Yoruba spirituality and shared by communities in Africa, the Americas, and beyond.
The press conference also featured remarks from Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, the Brazilian Consul in Lagos, who underscored the historical and spiritual bonds between Brazil and Nigeria.
He highlighted the enduring influence of Yoruba culture in Brazil, particularly through Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda, which trace their origins to West African traditions.
“The connections between our two nations run deep, woven through centuries of shared history, migration, and spiritual practices,” Ambassador Garcete said. “This upcoming cultural exchange is a testament to how our Yoruba heritage continues to thrive and bridge continents, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.”
The event is a prelude to the broader Nigeria-Brazil global cultural exchange, scheduled to take place under the auspices of WOOCON. This initiative aims to facilitate dialogues, exchanges of artifacts, performances, and educational programs, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Nigeria and Brazil have long shared cultural affinities due to the transatlantic slave trade, which brought millions of Africans, including Yoruba people, to the Americas, where their traditions evolved and persisted.
Experts in cultural diplomacy view this development as a strategic move by the Tinubu administration to enhance Nigeria’s soft power. By championing cultural recognition, the government is not only preserving indigenous identities but also positioning Nigeria as a key player in global cultural discourse.
This approach could lead to increased tourism, trade, and international partnerships, particularly with countries like Brazil that have significant African diaspora communities.
As preparations for the cultural exchange intensify, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential impact. The Ooni’s endorsement adds a layer of traditional authority and global prestige to the initiative, signaling a renewed commitment to cultural diplomacy in Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda.
For more details on the upcoming exchange and WOOCON activities, interested parties can visit the official NICO website or follow updates from the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos.
This event marks another step in Nigeria’s journey to reclaim and celebrate its cultural heritage on the world stage.
