The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for their commitment to deepening cultural and heritage ties between Africa and its Diaspora.

Naijaonpoint reports that she made the remarks during a landmark cultural event held in the Legislative Chambers of Brasilia, Brazil, on the sidelines of President Tinubu’s state visit to the South American country.

The event featured the “Return to Africa” project led by Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, which was described as a symbolic spiritual and cultural reconnection with Africa’s roots.

Soyinka said, “The ‘Return to Africa’ project is a symbolic return. Not about physically going back, but spiritually reconnecting with our African heritage, highlighting the resilience and strength of the African people.”

Dabiri-Erewa also drew attention to the historic “Door of Return Festival” project in Lagos, describing it as a key heritage dialogue between Africa and its Diaspora.

She stated, “We are preparing to open the permanent Door of Return on October 18. It’s a symbolic gateway connecting the Diaspora back to their motherland, historically, spiritually, economically.”

Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Yemi Cardoso, who identified as an Afro-Brazilian descendant, said the moment represented a powerful connection between people of shared heritage.

“As an Afro-Brazilian descendant, I take great pride in this moment of connection and mixing of peoples,” Cardoso noted.

He further emphasised the practical impact of new direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, describing them as a “game changer” for business and cultural exchanges.

The heritage dialogue event was part of President Tinubu’s official visit to the Brazilian capital, where discussions on economic, cultural and diplomatic ties dominated engagements.