7th June, 2025
Marcelo Freixo Describes Nigeria As Heart Of Brazil
The President/CEO, Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur), Marcelo Freixo has said the history of Brazil cannot be complete without the mention of Yorubaland.
At a recent meeting with the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye in Brazil, Freixo said there is no way anybody in the world can talk about Brazil without talking about Africa, precisely Yorubaland in Nigeria.
In a brave move to strengthen cultural ties with Nigeria, Freixo announced that Brazil will constitute a committee to identify Brazilian festivals and carnivals that are most suitable to be replicated in Nigeria.
Nigerians, particularly Yoruba descendants and Orisha devotees account for about 58 percent of Brazil’s population where they don’t only have political power but also social and religious influence.
It is interesting to note that the wife of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil is a descendant of Orisha and Nigeria has a Yoruba President, which is indeed the best time for the interest being expressed now between the two countries.
He therefore commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government of Nigeria for taking the bold step to stretch a hand of fellowship through NICO.
Earlier, the President, Palmares Cultural Foundation in Brazil, João Jorge Rodrigues had hinted that the carnival from Bahia in Brazil will be most suitable, stating that a test run of the festival will be done in December, 2026.
He also charged NICO with the responsibility of discussing with the federal government of Nigeria or any state government that will host the carnival and revert to the authorities in Brazil for adequate preparations.
With the current efforts by NICO under the leadership of Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Nigeria is already gaining cultural grounds for the and momentum by virtue of association and affiliation with Brazil’s cultural sector, which accounts for a substantial part of the country’s revenue.
Caleb Nor
Media Assistant to Executive Secretary, NICO.
