Arts And Culture
By Abayomi Grace
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has presented the UNESCO World Heritage Inscription Certificate for the Sango Festival to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. This prestigious recognition was granted by UNESCO during its 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2023.
The Sango Festival, a centuries-old celebration, embodies the spirit of unity, tradition, resilience, and color that defines Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy on the global scene. It’s a festival that showcases Yoruba heritage, artistic displays, and traditional significance, drawing global attention and tourists from across the world.
Minister Musawa described the certificate as a global endorsement of the Sango Festival’s living heritage, honoring the past while building the future. She emphasized its significance in inspiring youth, strengthening community pride, and opening doors for cultural tourism. The festival celebrates the historical Alaafin Sango and Imole Sango, revered as the Orisa of lightning and thunder in Yoruba cosmology. It has now joined the exclusive list of globally recognized cultural events, strengthening Nigeria’s cultural footprint on the world map.
The recognition is expected to boost Oyo State’s economy through unprecedented growth in the hospitality business and an astronomical influx of tourists. The state government is committed to supporting cultural festivals to drive tourism, job creation, and community development.
The UNESCO recognition is set to attract greater international attention to the Sango Festival, positioning Oyo State and Nigeria as premier destinations for cultural tourism in Africa. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing culture and tourism as key drivers of economic diversification, creative enterprise, and social cohesion.
The ceremony drew dignitaries, cultural custodians, and members of the Nigerian diaspora from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, all gathered to celebrate the global recognition of one of Nigeria’s most vibrant cultural traditions.
