The city of Salvador, Bahia—widely regarded as the cultural heart of Afro-Brazilian civilization has become the meeting point of traditional royalty, diplomats, scholars, government officials, and cultural leaders from Nigeria and Brazil as the 4th International Conference of the Lagos State University Centre for Afro-Brazilian Studies (LASUCAS) officially commenced.
Hosted jointly by Lagos State University (LASU), the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), and the State University of Bahia (UNEB), this year’s conference is held under the theme: “South-South Cooperation: Nigeria and Brazil’s Roles in Fostering Collaboration among Emerging Economies.”
The conference, taking place from 29 June to 1 July 2026, explores new opportunities for cooperation in economic development, technological innovation, education, urban sustainability, cultural diplomacy, and academic exchange between two of the largest nations of the Global South. It also features discussions on trade, sustainable cities, architecture, language, communication, cultural heritage, and innovation, reflecting the growing strategic relationship between Nigeria and Brazil.
The opening ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), showcased the rich cultural connections that have united Nigeria and Brazil for centuries. Guests were welcomed with traditional music, vibrant cultural performances, and Afro-Brazilian dances celebrating the enduring legacy of Yoruba civilization in Bahia.
One of the most distinguished guests at the ceremony was His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, accompanied by Her Royal Majesty, Olori Abiwumi Owoade, members of the royal household, and an official entourage. Their participation underscored the importance of traditional institutions in strengthening cultural diplomacy between Africa and its diaspora.
The conference also attracted an impressive list of dignitaries from both countries. Among them were the Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, Mr. Paulo Santos; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Prof. Paulo Miguez; representatives of the State University of Bahia (UNEB); and the leadership of Lagos State University.
The LASU delegation is led by the Director of LASUCAS, Prof. Tayo Ajayi, and comprises a distinguished team of academics and administrators, including Prof. Salami Dada, Associate Professor Sunday Bamisile, Dr. Adetola Oye, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Opaleye, and Prof. Henry Hunjo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni. The delegation also includes several other scholars committed to advancing Afro-Brazilian studies and strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
Also present were Prof. Adejumo of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mrs. Paula Gomes, the long-serving Cultural Attachée to the Alaafin of Oyo, and numerous Brazilian traditional religious leaders and Yoruba cultural practitioners whose work continues to preserve ancestral traditions inherited from West Africa.
The conference comes at a significant moment in Nigeria-Brazil relations. In recent years, both countries have intensified bilateral cooperation through agreements covering trade, agriculture, renewable energy, education, technology, healthcare, aviation, and cultural exchange. Nigeria’s aspiration to become a member of BRICS further complements Brazil’s advocacy for stronger representation of emerging economies within global governance structures. These developments provide an important backdrop to this year’s discussions on South-South cooperation.
Beyond diplomacy and economics, LASUCAS has established itself as one of the foremost platforms dedicated to strengthening Afro-Brazilian scholarship and reconnecting Africa with its diaspora. Since the partnership between LASU and UFBA began, successive conferences have fostered collaboration among universities, researchers, policymakers, and cultural institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. The 2026 edition continues that tradition while expanding conversations around sustainable development, innovation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange.
For many participants, Salvador is far more than the host city. Home to one of the largest populations of African descendants outside the African continent, Bahia remains a living repository of Yoruba language, religion, customs, music, cuisine, and royal traditions. The presence of the Alaafin of Oyo therefore carries profound historical and symbolic significance, representing a cultural homecoming that reconnects centuries of shared history between Yorubaland and Brazil.
As the conference continues over the coming days, participants will engage in keynote lectures, academic presentations, policy dialogues, cultural exhibitions, and networking sessions designed to deepen cooperation between Nigeria, Brazil, and other emerging economies. More than an academic gathering, the event stands as a powerful affirmation of the enduring historical, cultural, and intellectual bonds linking Africa and its diaspora, while charting new pathways for collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.
