Lagos: The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s increasing recognition of culture as a key element of national identity, unity, and international diplomacy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement signed by the Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mr. Caleb Nor, quoted the traditional ruler expressing his commendation during a media conference organized by NICO to announce the upcoming World Orisha Congress (WOOCON). The Ooni, who serves as the Global Patron of WOOCON, highlighted that President Tinubu is fostering a culturally-friendly environment and formally acknowledging traditional heritage and spiritual institutions across Nigeria.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, also lauded Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that it was a step towards enhancing tourism revenue and international significance. Soyinka, a Patron of WOOCON, emphasized the importance of cultural and spiritual engagement in revitalizing African culture.
Earlier, Brazilian Consular in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel de Lacerda Santos, underscored the spiritual links between Brazil and Nigeria, particularly through their shared Yoruba heritage. The Executive Secretary and CEO of NICO, Mr. Abiodun Ajiboye, discussed the ongoing global cultural renaissance and the significant role Nigeria must play. Ajiboye, who is also the Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees, stated that the initiative aims to position Nigeria as a major tourism destination, projecting potential annual revenue of over $10 billion from cultural and spiritual tourism.
Ajiboye noted the importance of structured engagements to strengthen cultural bonds, as cultural similarities are evident in the Yoruba heritage shared by Nigeria and Brazil. He also mentioned that countries in the Caribbean are participating in the initiative. A renowned Yoruba scholar, Prof. Wande Abimbola, emphasized the global importance of preserving the Orisha tradition.
NAN reports that WOOCON’s full program of cultural and intellectual engagements is set to continue, with Nigeria as a central figure in the global movement.