Nigeria, Brazil Partner On Annual Global Cultural Project

The federal government and the Federative Republic of Brazil have partnered on the execution of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), an initiative poised to become the largest global cultural convergence, bringing together practitioners, scholars, and cultural leaders from across the world.

This was made known after a meeting between the executive secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and the Brazilian ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Carlos Garcete.

The meeting, which held at the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja was to officially brief the government of Brazil about ongoing efforts towards hosting WOOCON in Nigeria.

In a press statement by media assistant to the executive secretary (NICO) Caleb Nor, the discussions which focused on the operational logistics of the big international concept is hinged on the fact that about 56 per cent of Brazilians who are Afro descendants account for a significant chunk of Brazil’s socio-cultural environment such that the Brazilian government places value on them to a large extent.

The executive secretary of NICO informed the Brazilian ambassador that one of the major wishes of Afro descendants in Brazil over the years is to have a root back to Africa which is their center of origin.

“It is a known fact globally that Orisha takes the center root from Yorubaland in South-West Nigeria. Therefore, this WOOCON concept initiated by NICO is centered around the ability to welcome Orisha descendants all over the world twice or three times a year at a place to be secluded and called WOOCON City.”

Responding, the Brazilian ambassador, H. E. Carlos Garcete, expressed willingness to support the initiative with ideas that can guarantee the smooth execution of the project.

“We are ready to assist you especially with ideas and any other capacity we can, once we understand the details of the project. We are here to help you, and you can count on us,” he said.

The World Orisha Congress (WOOCON) is structured to be governed by a Board of Trustees (BoT) chaired by His Imperial Majesty, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife. The Alaafin of Oyo serves as Co-Chairman of the Board, while Otunba Ajiboye serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

WOOCON is further strengthened by the presence of distinguished patrons, including Professor Wole Soyinka and Wande Abimbola, alongside several eminent traditional rulers who serve as members of the Traditional Council of WOOCON.

This initiative is steadily taking shape through ongoing high-level engagements. As part of these efforts, Ooni of Ife and a select delegation are expected to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further deepen discussions on strengthening the WOOCON agenda.

Envisioned as an annual gathering, WOOCON will serve as a platform to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Orisha tradition while strengthening cultural ties between Africa and the global Afro-descendant community.