The Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its cultural, traditional, and heritage ties with Brazil.
He highlighted the deep historical and spiritual connections between both nations, particularly through their shared Yoruba heritage.
Ajiboye is currently on an official visit to Brazil, engaging Afro-Brazilian communities in Salvador and taking part in the World Orisa Congress. He pointed out that the strong cultural bond between Nigeria and Brazil has been evident in the consistent participation of Brazilians in Nigerian festivals such as Osun-Osogbo, Olojo, and Sango.
While attending the 5th National Meeting of Axe Women of RENAFRO in Salvador, Ajiboye held discussions with Brazilian religious leaders and emphasised the importance of strengthening the spiritual and cultural links between the two countries.
He also met with Congresswoman Olívia Santana to explore new opportunities for collaboration between Nigeria and the state of Bahia. His itinerary included a visit to Ilê Axe Mariolaje, one of Brazil’s oldest ase houses, situated in the Alaketu terreiro.
During a symbolic presentation to the Abaeté Lagoon, Mãe Meninazinha de Oxum expressed joy at Nigeria’s renewed engagement with Afro-Brazilian communities. National Coordinator of RENAFRO, Mother Nilce de Iansã, welcomed Nigeria’s presence at the Women of Axé Working Group event, describing it as a meaningful reconnection with the motherland.
President of the Oduduwa Heritage House, Ajoyemi Osunleye, called the visit historic. He praised the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, for initiating a direct engagement with the Afro-Brazilian Orisha community. He noted the significance of the visit in the build-up to 2025, declared by the African Union as the “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Flávia Pinto of the Casa Herança delegation called for a formal pilgrimage to Ile-Ife, the spiritual home of the Orisha tradition. She urged for global recognition of Ile-Ife’s sacredness, placing it on par with Mecca, Rome, and Jerusalem. She commended the NICO visit as a powerful affirmation of the spiritual importance of Ile-Ife.
3
