The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for promoting culture as a central pillar of national identity and diplomacy.
The Ooni of Ife has praised President Tinubu for prioritising culture as a national unifier and tool for global diplomacy, ahead of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON).
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for promoting culture as a central pillar of national identity and diplomacy.
“We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” the monarch said during a media briefing by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) to announce the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON). “Culture is the soul of a people. Without it we have no identity.”
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka also hailed Tinubu’s support, calling it “a step to greatness” with potential to boost tourism and cultural relevance.
Brazilian Consular Ambassador Manuel de Lacerda Santos highlighted the spiritual bond between Nigeria and Brazil through Yoruba heritage.
WOOCON Secretary, Mr Abiodun Ajiboye, said the initiative could generate $10 billion in annual tourism revenue. “WOOCON is not just a congress. It’s a movement to reclaim and redefine African cultural consciousness.”
NAN reports that cultural engagements will continue throughout the year, placing Nigeria at the centre of a global revival.