Dabiri-Erewa, Soyinka, Cardoso Celebrate Nigeria-Brazil Cultural Ties

A landmark cultural exchange event in Brazil has spotlighted renewed efforts to deepen ties between Africa and its diaspora. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), joined Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso in praising initiatives that strengthen Nigeria-Brazil relations.

Speaking in the Legislative Chambers of Brasília during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit, Dabiri-Erewa lauded both Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for supporting projects that reconnect Afro-descendants to their African heritage.

She highlighted the upcoming inauguration of a permanent “Door of Return” in Lagos on October 18 as “a symbolic gateway linking the diaspora back to their motherland historically, spiritually, and economically.”

Prof. Soyinka described his “Return to Africa” project as a spiritual reconnection rather than a physical migration, calling it a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African people.

Cardoso, reflecting on his Afro-Brazilian roots, hailed the introduction of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil as a “game changer” that would enhance both business and cultural exchanges.

The cultural dialogue formed part of a series of heritage-focused engagements held alongside Tinubu’s official meetings in Brazil.