Nigeria, Brazil partner on global cultural convergence project

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have agreed to collaborate on the proposed World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), an initiative aimed at becoming a major global gathering of practitioners, scholars and cultural leaders of the Orisha tradition. The agreement followed a closed-door meeting between the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the […]

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have agreed to collaborate on the proposed World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), an initiative aimed at becoming a major global gathering of practitioners, scholars and cultural leaders of the Orisha tradition.

The agreement followed a closed-door meeting between the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Biodun Ajiboye, and the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete.

According to a statement issued by Caleb Nor, Media Assistant to the NICO Executive Secretary, the meeting was held at the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja on Friday, March 13, 2026, to formally brief the Brazilian government on ongoing preparations for hosting WOOCON in Nigeria.

The discussions focused on the operational framework and logistics of the international initiative, which seeks to strengthen cultural connections between Africa and Afro-descendant communities around the world.

Speaking during the meeting, Ajiboye noted the historical and cultural ties between Africa and Brazil, particularly among Afro-descendant populations.

“One of the major wishes of Afro-descendants in Brazil over the years is to reconnect with Africa, which is regarded as their centre of origin,” he said.

Ajiboye added that the concept of the World Orisha Congress is designed to provide a global platform for adherents and scholars of the Orisha tradition.

“It is a known fact globally that the Orisha tradition traces its roots to Yorubaland in South-West Nigeria. Therefore, this WOOCON concept initiated by NICO is centered on the ability to welcome Orisha descendants from all over the world, two or three times a year, to a dedicated location to be known as WOOCON City,” he said.

Responding, Ambassador Garcete expressed Brazil’s readiness to support the initiative and explore ways of contributing to its successful implementation.

“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 is expected to be governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, while the Alaafin of Oyo will serve as co-chairman. Ajiboye will serve as Secretary of the Board.

The initiative also has distinguished patrons, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and renowned Yoruba scholar Wande Abimbola, alongside several eminent traditional rulers who make up the WOOCON Traditional Council.

As part of ongoing engagements to advance the project, the Ooni of Ife and a delegation are expected to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further discuss the initiative.

Envisioned as an annual gathering, WOOCON is expected to serve as a platform for celebrating, preserving and promoting the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Orisha tradition while strengthening cultural ties between Africa and Afro-descendant communities worldwide.