The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have joined forces to launch the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), a groundbreaking initiative set to become the largest global cultural convergence, bringing together practitioners, scholars, and cultural leaders from around the world.

The partnership was formalized following a closed-door meeting between Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), and His Excellency Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, at the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja on Friday, March 13, 2026. Discussions focused on updating Brazil on Nigeria’s preparations to host WOOCON and addressing operational logistics for the ambitious project.

Highlighting Brazil’s deep Afro-descendant heritage, the meeting noted that roughly 56 percent of Brazilians have African ancestry, playing a significant role in the country’s socio-cultural landscape—a factor that underscores Brazil’s commitment to supporting the initiative.

WOOCON’s governance will be overseen by a Board of Trustees (BOT) chaired by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife. The Alaafin of Oyo will serve as Co-Chair, while Otunba Ajiboye will act as Secretary of the BOT.

The initiative also enjoys the patronage of distinguished figures, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and Professor Wande Abimbola, alongside esteemed traditional rulers who will form the Traditional Council of WOOCON.

High-level discussions are ongoing to consolidate the initiative. In this regard, the Ooni of Ife and a select delegation are expected to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further advance the WOOCON agenda.

Set to be an annual celebration, WOOCON aims to promote, preserve, and showcase the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Orisha tradition while strengthening cultural ties between Africa and the global Afro-descendant community.

Otunba Ajiboye told the Brazilian Ambassador that the initiative responds to a longstanding desire among Afro-descendants in Brazil to reconnect with their ancestral roots in Africa. “The Orisha tradition originates from Yorubaland in South-West Nigeria. WOOCON is designed to host descendants of the Orisha tradition from around the world two to three times annually at a dedicated location, WOOCON City,” he said.

Ambassador Garcete expressed full support for the project, pledging ideas and resources to ensure its success. “We are eager to assist with guidance and resources as needed. You can count on us,” he said.