By Obinna Uballa
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has praised President Bola Tinubu following the formal recognition of the Sango Festival by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, presented UNESCO’s certificate of inscription to the Alaafin during the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo State at the weekend.
Musawa described the recognition as a landmark for Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, noting that it reflects the ministry’s commitment to preserving heritage while promoting tourism, employment generation, and community empowerment.
“This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage,” the minister said.
“It is a shining gain of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates how culture can drive diplomacy, tourism, and sustainable development.”
In his response, the Alaafin commended Tinubu and the ministry for what he called their renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s cultural space. He pledged the continued cooperation of the Oyo Kingdom in efforts to further project Yoruba and Nigerian culture globally.
The 2025 Sango Festival, attended by dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, served as the platform for the historic certificate presentation, reinforcing its status as a cultural treasure and a symbol of national pride.
