- Dabiri-Erewa, Soyinka, Cardoso Hail Nigeria-Brazil Diaspora Cultural Ties
- Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the significance of the “heritage dialogue and future” embodied in the historic Door of Return Festival in Lagos
- Yemi Cardoso said he took great pride in witnessing the cultural reconnection
In a landmark cultural and heritage event held at the Legislative Chambers of Brasília, Brazil, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for their commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Africa and its Diaspora.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the NiDCOM chairman while speaking at the event, which showcased Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s “Return to Africa” project, said the initiative symbolises a spiritual and cultural reconnection with African roots.
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She also highlighted the significance of the “heritage dialogue and future” embodied in the historic Door of Return Festival in Lagos. “We are preparing to open the permanent Door of Return on October 18,” she said. “It is a symbolic gateway reconnecting the Diaspora to their motherland historically, spiritually, and economically.”
Prof. Soyinka described the “Return to Africa” project as a symbolic rather than physical return. “It is about spiritually reconnecting with our African heritage and highlighting the resilience and strength of the African people,” he explained.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, who identified himself as an Afro-Brazilian descendant, said he took great pride in witnessing the cultural reconnection.
He noted that the launch of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil would be a “game changer” for trade, business, and cultural exchanges.
The event formed part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the Brazilian capital, Brasília.
