Nigeria and Brazil have strengthened their cultural and diaspora bonds with a landmark heritage dialogue held in the Legislative Chambers of Brasília, Brazil, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to the South American nation.
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended Presidents Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for their commitment to fostering closer ties between Africa and its diaspora communities.
Speaking at the event, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the significance of the “Return to Africa” project and the “Door of Return Festival” in Lagos, describing them as pathways for reconnecting spiritually, economically, and historically with the African homeland. She announced that the permanent Door of Return would be formally opened on October 18 in Lagos.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, in his remarks, emphasized the deeper meaning of the “Return to Africa” initiative, saying it was not just about physical relocation but about spiritual reconnection with African identity, resilience, and heritage.
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Yemi Cardoso, speaking as an Afro-Brazilian descendant, described the event as a proud cultural milestone. He also underlined the practical significance of new direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, noting that they would serve as a “game changer” for both business and cultural exchanges.
The event, described as a cultural landmark, was one of the highlights of President Tinubu’s diplomatic engagements in Brasília, reflecting Nigeria’s renewed commitment to diaspora inclusion and Africa’s global cultural renaissance.
