Oyo, Nigeria The Sango Festival has officially joined the ranks of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, following its inscription by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The milestone was formally marked at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo State, where the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, presented UNESCO’s certificate of inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I.
Musawa described the recognition as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and tourism development, adding that it was the result of sustained collaboration between the federal government and the Oyo community.
“This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage,” the minister said. “It reflects our Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding cultural assets as a tool for diplomacy, employment generation, wealth creation, and sustainable tourism.”
She congratulated the Alaafin, the new Sango Chief Priest, and the Yoruba people, noting that the recognition aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on culture and creative industries.
Alaafin Pledges Support
In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the federal ministry for their efforts in preserving and projecting Nigeria’s heritage. He pledged the cooperation of the Oyo Kingdom in further cultural promotion initiatives, describing the UNESCO recognition as a source of pride for the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.
Global Spotlight on Nigerian Culture
The 2025 World Sango Festival, which attracted dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, provided the backdrop for the historic presentation.
With the UNESCO listing, the Sango Festival celebrated annually to honour the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning is now recognised globally as a cultural treasure, further cementing Nigeria’s place on the international heritage map.
