FG hails Brazil’s celebration of Yoruba culture at Rio carnival

The Federal Government of Nigeria has applauded Brazil for the creative infusion of Yoruba culture during the just-concluded 2025 Rio Carnival and affirmed its continued collaboration in tourism expansion.

The carnival, which drew 8 million tourists and generated $1.2 billion in revenue, showcased the tangible and intangible elements of Yoruba culture, much to the amazement of culture enthusiasts.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, stated that Brazil’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture was evident in the pulsating sounds of Orisa chants and Yoruba-inspired themes during the carnival.

He explained that the Federal Government is committed to strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering more collaborations between the two nations, particularly in cultural exchange and tourism expansion.

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Otunba further revealed that the government is planning high-level cultural conferences in both Nigeria and Brazil, aimed at bridging ancestral gaps and promoting religious harmony.

These gatherings, according to him, will also provide a platform for scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and government representatives to discuss sustainable strategies for cultural preservation and global engagement.

Otunba commended the Brazilian government’s progressive stance on religious tolerance and its positive impact on cultural diversity, expressing optimism that through continued engagement, Nigeria and Brazil can forge new pathways for shared experiences.

“The Orisa tradition originates from Nigeria—all Orisas have their base here. It is heartwarming to see that despite being taken forcefully as slaves, our ancestors kept the flame alive, and their descendants continue to preserve and celebrate it with such grandeur.

“NICO is spearheading plans for the World Orisa Congress, a landmark event designed to welcome Orisa devotees from around the world to Nigeria annually. With an estimated 450 million adherents worldwide, the Orisa spiritual system is a global force, and Nigeria seeks to position itself as the epicenter of its convergence—akin to Mecca and Jerusalem.”

“We are working on a platform that will bring together devotees from Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Argentina, Europe, and the UK. Religious freedom and tolerance are key pillars of nation-building, and we must provide a home for all who wish to connect with their divine heritage,” he concluded.