The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka have both lauded President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to elevating Nigerian culture as a key element of national identity, unity, and international diplomacy.

Their commendations were shared during a press briefing organized by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) to announce the upcoming World Orisha Congress (WOOCON). The event, held in Lagos, highlighted the cultural and spiritual renaissance being driven by Nigeria on the global stage.

According to a statement released by Mr. Caleb Nor, Media Assistant to NICO’s Executive Secretary, the Ooni—who also serves as Global Patron of WOOCON praised the Tinubu administration for creating an environment that supports traditional heritage and spirituality.

We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” said the monarch.

Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity.President Tinubu’s leadership is not only helping to reposition our cultural values globally, but also bringing us back to the very essence of our existence.

Prof. Soyinka, also a WOOCON patron, echoed the Ooni’s sentiments, noting that the president’s support for cultural initiatives marks a vital step in boosting Nigeria’s global relevance, especially in tourism and heritage.

Culture defines people and nationalities,” Soyinka said. “This initiative encourages intellectual and spiritual engagement, which is essential to the revival of African identity and tradition.

The event also featured the Brazilian Consul in Lagos, Ambassador Manuel de Lacerda Santos, who underscored the spiritual and cultural ties between Brazil and Nigeria particularly through their shared Yoruba heritage, which continues to thrive in both nations.

Mr. Abiodun Ajiboye, NICO’s Executive Secretary and Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees, emphasized Nigeria’s leading role in a growing global cultural awakening. He described WOOCON as more than just a congress calling it a cultural movement that could yield significant economic benefits.

With proper planning, cultural and spiritual tourism could generate over $10 billion for Nigeria annually within the next three years,” Ajiboye said.

Our collaboration with Brazil is deeply rooted in centuries of shared heritage, especially among the Yoruba people. Thousands of Brazilians continue to travel to Nigeria to participate in major cultural festivals like the Osun Osogbo and Sango Festivals.

He added that other Caribbean nations are also participating in the initiative, which aims to formalize and expand these cultural connections.

Renowned Yoruba scholar, Prof. Wande Abimbola, also lent his voice, stressing that the Orisha tradition represents a global spiritual system that deserves preservation and respect across continents.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), WOOCON’s series of cultural and academic events is set to continue in the coming months, positioning Nigeria as a central figure in the global cultural movement.