Ooni, Soyinka Applaud President Tinubu for Nigeria’s Cultural Advancement

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s growing commitment to recognising culture as a cornerstone of national identity, unity, and international diplomacy.

This commendation was made on Tuesday in Lagos in a statement signed by Mr Caleb Nor, Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

According to the statement, the traditional ruler made the remarks during a media conference organised by NICO to announce the forthcoming World Orisha Congress (WOOCON).

The Ooni, who serves as the Global Patron of WOOCON, acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts in fostering a culturally-inclusive environment and giving formal recognition to traditional heritage and spiritual institutions across the country.

“We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture.”

“Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity.

“President Tinubu’s leadership is not only repositioning our cultural values on the global stage but also reconnecting us with the essence of our existence,” the monarch stated.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, also lauded the President for his support and encouragement of the initiative. He described it as a visionary step that would strengthen Nigeria’s global cultural relevance and enhance tourism revenue.

Prof. Soyinka, who is also a Patron of WOOCON, emphasised that culture defines people and nationalities, and that intellectual and spiritual engagement is vital in reviving and sustaining African culture.

In his remarks, the Brazilian Consul in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel de Lacerda Santos, noted the strong spiritual and cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria, particularly through their shared Yoruba heritage, which continues to flourish across both countries.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NICO, Mr Abiodun Ajiboye, highlighted the ongoing global cultural renaissance and stressed Nigeria’s pivotal role in shaping this emerging narrative.

Also Read: Nigeria Plans World Orisha Congress to Boost Cultural, Spiritual Tourism

Ajiboye, who also serves as Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees, revealed that the congress aims to become one of the world’s foremost cultural festivals, capable of repositioning Nigeria as a premier destination for cultural tourism.

He estimated that by strategically exploring cultural and spiritual tourism, Nigeria could generate over $10 billion annually within the next three years.

“WOOCON is not merely a congress it is a movement to reclaim and redefine African cultural consciousness and identity.

“Nigeria’s collaboration with Brazil in areas of culture, tradition, and heritage is driven by the deep historical connections between both nations.

“These shared cultural values are especially evident in the Yoruba heritage, which continues to attract thousands of Brazilians to Nigeria for major festivals such as the Osun Osogbo and Sango Festivals,” he said.

Ajiboye added that several Caribbean nations were also engaging with the WOOCON initiative.

Renowned Yoruba scholar, Prof. Wande Abimbola, noted that the Orisha tradition represents a global spiritual system that deserves preservation and respect across continents.

The WOOCON’s programme of cultural and intellectual engagements will continue in the coming months, with Nigeria positioned at the heart of this global movement.