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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has officially recognized the Sango Festival 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 Oba Abimbola Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo.
According to report, this presentation occurred during the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival, which took place over the weekend in Oyo State.
Musawa labeled this achievement as a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
She remarked that this accomplishment reflects the ministry’s dedication to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage and utilizing it as a vehicle for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
The minister praised the cooperation between her ministry and the Oyo community, emphasizing that this recognition is in line with the Federal Government’s wider objectives of cultural promotion, job creation, wealth generation, and community empowerment.
She stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.
“The Sango Festival has now gained global recognition with its inclusion by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“This success is a result of effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy and the Oyo community.
“This milestone firmly positions Sango’s rich heritage on a global platform and highlights its significance as a shared global heritage.
“This achievement is a notable victory in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, driven by our ministry’s commitment to preserving our rich cultural heritage as a vital tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
“The latter strengthens the foundation of our strong cultural identity, aimed at generating employment and wealth for sustainable development, as well as empowering the host community and Nigeria.”
In his comments, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the ministry for their renewed efforts in advancing Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which he asserted made this recognition feasible.
The monarch also reiterated the Oyo Kingdom’s willingness to collaborate with the federal government and the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to further elevate Nigeria’s cultural identity on the global stage.
The 2025 Sango Festival, which attracted dignitaries from both within Nigeria and abroad, served as the backdrop for the certificate presentation, emphasizing the festival’s significance as a cultural gem and representation of Nigeria’s rich heritage.
