In a historic cultural and heritage gathering at Brazil’s Legislative Chambers in Brasília, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), commended President Bola Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Lula da Silva, for their commitment to strengthening cultural bonds between Africa and its Diaspora.
The event spotlighted Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s “Return to Africa” project, a symbolic initiative underscoring the importance of reconnecting spiritually, culturally, and historically with African roots.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the Door of Return Festival in Lagos as a key milestone in this journey, announcing plans for the permanent Door of Return to be unveiled on October 18.
“It’s a symbolic gateway connecting the Diaspora back to their motherland—historically, spiritually, and economically,” she said.
Prof. Soyinka explained that the Return to Africa project is not merely about physical relocation but about spiritual reconnection, resilience, and the preservation of African heritage.
Adding an economic dimension, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, described the initiative as a moment of pride, especially for Afro-Brazilian descendants. He noted that the introduction of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil would be a “game changer” for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
The event was one of the highlights of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to Brazil’s capital, further cementing diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
