The launch of Nigerian airline Air Peace in Brazil has officially been postponed to 2026. The airline confirmed to Ancestral News that planning for its South American operations will now begin in the first quarter of next year, indicating that there is still substantial groundwork to be done before the first flights can take off.

Originally, the company’s plan was to start flights between São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport and Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, in late 2025 , between October and December , with three weekly frequencies using Boeing 777 aircraft. However, this plan has not yet materialized, as Air Peace continues to face operational and logistical challenges typical of launching a long-haul intercontinental route.

In its official response, Air Peace stated:” While we are working toward the launch, there is still no concrete date set for the start of operations or ticket sales. Once these details are confirmed, we will officially communicate them to the public through our channels.”

Data from Planespotters indicate that Air Peace currently operates four Boeing 777s, but two are out of service. The remaining two are mainly deployed on the Lagos–London route, which the airline inaugurated earlier this year as part of its international expansion strategy. According to Flightradar24, the most recent long-haul operation by one of these aircraft occurred on October 17, and no further flights have been recorded since then.

This limited availability of long-range aircraft has become a major obstacle. A June 2025 report from ThisDay Live revealed that Air Peace had placed three aircraft on standby to minimize delays and cancellations, but the company’s long-haul operations still require significant investment in maintenance, crew training, and international certification. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, had previously confirmed that flights to Brazil would begin “as soon as the company has an aircraft ready,” suggesting that the bottleneck is less about diplomatic readiness and more about the operational capacity of the airline itself.

The Air Peace–Brazil project stems from a bilateral air services agreement (BASA) signed in May 2025 between Nigeria and Brazil. The deal, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filho, allows direct passenger and cargo flights between the two nations. It was witnessed by Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reflecting growing ties between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest nation. At the time, both governments suggested that flights could begin “within months,” with up to four or five weekly frequencies, depending on market demand and the airline’s readiness. A follow-up meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Lula in August 2025 further strengthened the agreement, smoothing out remaining regulatory and logistical issues related to aviation, trade, and energy cooperation.

For both countries, the planned São Paulo–Lagos route carries enormous symbolic and economic significance. It represents not only a commercial link but also a cultural and historical bridge between two nations deeply connected through centuries of Afro-Brazilian heritage.

Several key factors explain why Air Peace has postponed the launch. The airline’s long-haul fleet remains limited. With two Boeing 777s grounded and others heavily committed to the London route, there is not yet a dedicated aircraft available for South American service. Launching a transatlantic route requires multiple layers of certification — including traffic rights, safety audits, slot coordination at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport, and crew authorizations under international standards.

Experts have raised concerns about whether consistent passenger demand exists to sustain multiple weekly flights between Lagos and São Paulo , a route previously attempted by other airlines but discontinued due to low yields. Air Peace also continues to consolidate its presence on routes to London, Dubai, Jeddah, and Mumbai, focusing resources on these markets before expanding further afield.

In its public communications, Air Peace reiterated its commitment to the Brazil project but emphasized that it will not launch prematurely”We are working diligently to ensure that when we begin, operations will be sustainable and efficient. This route is of strategic importance to Nigeria’s connectivity with South America.”

Company founder and CEO Allen Onyema has repeatedly described the Brazil route as a “historic connection” that will unite Africa and Latin America, highlighting Air Peace’s ambition to make Nigeria the aviation hub of West Africa.

While the initial timeline suggested a start by the end of 2025, the airline’s current schedule pushes the launch into early-to-mid 2026. According to Nigerian aviation sources, Air Peace is also exploring options such as leasing additional wide-body aircraft or forming code-share partnerships with Brazilian carriers to facilitate feeder traffic across South America once the Lagos–São Paulo service begins.

When operational, the flight will significantly reduce travel time between West Africa and South America , from around 17 hours (with connections) to just 7–8 hours nonstop. It is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, as well as provide a new corridor for business travelers and members of the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil. Experts suggest that the success of this route could pave the way for further expansion to other Latin American destinations such as Buenos Aires and Santiago, reinforcing Air Peace’s ambition to become the first West African airline with a consistent intercontinental network.

Although delayed, Air Peace’s planned route between Lagos and São Paulo remains one of the most anticipated milestones in African aviation. The 2026 launch now appears more realistic given the operational constraints, but the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Brazil ensures that the framework is firmly in place. If successfully implemented, the service will not only connect two economic powerhouses but also reignite centuries-old Afro-Brazilian cultural ties — turning Air Peace’s Lagos–São Paulo route into a symbol of heritage, resilience, and modern African connectivity.

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Nigeria and Brazil have opened talks aimed at strengthening economic and financial cooperation, with a particular focus on payment systems, fintech, and mobile money expansion. The discussions took place in Brasília between the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and his Brazilian counterpart, Gabriel Galípolo, during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the South American country.

According to a CBN press statement released on Saturday, the engagement formed part of a broader working visit by the CBN team to the Banco Central do Brasil. In addition to the high-level talks, the Nigerian delegation participated in a series of technical meetings with Brazilian officials covering monetary policy, financial stability, and regulatory cooperation. Cardoso described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen institutional collaboration and share expertise between the two central banks. “Nigeria is building a more resilient financial system to attract capital, harness diaspora remittances, and create a stable environment where trade and investment can thrive,” he said.

He further emphasised the potential for knowledge exchange in digital finance, noting: “Brazil’s experience in financial inclusion offers important lessons, just as Nigeria’s fintech sector has insights of its own.” Highlighting cultural and demographic linkages, Cardoso pointed to Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian community as a key factor in future cooperation. He noted that the group—the largest population of African descent outside Africa—could play an important role in expanding remittance flows and creating stronger financial linkages between the two countries.

The statement added that Cardoso underscored the importance of deepening institutional ties and knowledge-sharing between the two central banks, especially in the areas of payment systems, fintech, and mobile money. In his response, Galípolo welcomed the initiative and expressed Brazil’s readiness to broaden collaboration with Nigeria. He said closer cooperation would help both economies strengthen financial stability and advance shared prosperity.

The statement read: “Galípolo welcomed the talks and reiterated Brazil’s interest in broadening collaboration, describing closer ties as beneficial to supporting financial stability and shared prosperity.” Cardoso was accompanied to the talks by senior CBN officials overseeing currency operations, financial policy regulation, and monetary policy, underscoring the wide-ranging scope of the engagement.

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The emotional scene that unfolded during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent State visit to Brazil has continued to spark conversations among Nigerians at home and abroad. A Nigerian women leader residing in Brazil, who broke down in tears before the President, has now explained the reasons behind her emotional outburst.

Speaking to The Ancestral News shortly after the bilateral meetings between President Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the women leader , Mrs Favor Emeka revealed that her tears were not of despair but of frustration mixed with hope.

“I cried before President Tinubu because Nigerians in Brazil have been pleading for years for a functioning Consulate in São Paulo. We have no direct access to critical services like passport renewal, documentation, or consular support. The Nigerian community here is large and growing, yet our voices have been ignored. When I saw the President, I couldn’t hold back my emotions,” she said.

For more than two decades, Nigerian associations and community leaders in Brazil have pushed successive governments in Abuja to reopen or establish a consulate in São Paulo, home to the largest concentration of Nigerians in Latin America. Currently, Nigerian residents must travel thousands of kilometers to Brasília for services, a costly and time-consuming ordeal. She stressed that her tears were also a plea for recognition of the struggles faced by Nigerian women in the diaspora, who often shoulder the burden of family survival in a foreign land.

“Our children deserve proper identity documents. Our traders deserve legal support. Our students need academic exchange opportunities. And our women need empowerment programs. That is why I cried—to remind President Tinubu that we exist, that we matter, and that Nigeria must not abandon us,” she added.

“Our women are the backbone of the diaspora. They raise families, sustain communities, and preserve our culture in foreign lands. Yet, they often face the toughest struggles alone. That is why our association exists — to make sure no Nigerian woman in Brazil is left without support,” Mrs. Emeka explained in a recent interview.

The founder and President of the National Community for Women in Diaspora, Mrs. Favor Emeka, has clarified her emotional display during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit

“I never said a child died between Brasília and São Paulo while traveling. What I said was that Nigerians lose their lives in the process of these long and difficult journeys. We recently lost a Yoruba father to this cause. Women’s voices must be heard,” Mrs. Emeka stressed.

President Tinubu, who was visibly moved during the encounter, reportedly assured the Nigerian community that their concerns would be addressed, emphasizing that his administration is committed to strengthening ties with Brazil and improving services for Nigerians abroad.
The incident has since gone viral among diaspora groups, with many describing the women leader’s tears as a powerful symbol of the long-standing cry for visibility and support from Nigerians in South America.

“I have been making efforts to empower our Nigerian women here. Just last month, I attended the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on young entrepreneurship. I am also a pioneer of the Young Entrepreneurship BRICS initiative. These are my contributions as a Nigerian mother living in Brazil,” – Mrs. Favor highlighted her ongoing efforts to empower Nigerian women in Brazil.

The women leader emphasized that she is not working alone, but alongside other dedicated Nigerian women in Brazil who joined her in Brasília to meet with President Tinubu and his delegation. “ We went together as mothers, as women, representing the Nigerian voice in Brazil. We sincerely thank Hon. Abike Dabiri for her support and we hope she will continue to help push forward the cause of women in the diaspora,” she added.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday 25th Aug.2025 welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to Brasília, urging stronger diplomatic and trade ties between the two nations.

Speaking at the Planalto Palace, Lula reaffirmed Brazil and Nigeria’s shared commitment to free trade at a time when global protectionist measures are on the rise, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes on Brazilian exports.

“At this moment, when protectionism and unilateralism are reemerging, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their commitment to free trade and productive integration. We remain committed to building a world of peace, free from hegemonic impositions,” Lula said.

Nigeria is currently Brazil’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa, and Tinubu’s visit comes as Lula seeks to diversify Brazil’s commercial alliances amid trade tensions with Washington.

The two leaders signed agreements in aviation, science and technology, and foreign relations, expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade.
Lula also voiced support for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, describing the country as a natural candidate given its population of 230 million and its growing role in global debates. He reiterated the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council, calling for greater African representation.

“Nigeria has all the credentials to become a full member of the G20. We share very similar positions regarding the role of the Global South in a multipolar order,” Lula said. “Our regions must be adequately represented in a reformed United Nations Security Council,” he added.

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Adeyinka Olaiya is a distinguished Nigerian-Brazilian visual artist, writer, and Yorùbá cultural theorist whose creative and intellectual journey bridges the realms of contemporary expression and ancestral knowledge. His work is rooted in a deep engagement with African spirituality, diasporic memory, and the sacred philosophies of the Yorùbá people.

Olaiya began his formal artistic training with a National Diploma in Fine Arts from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, followed by both a Bachelor’s and a Doctorate in Arts and Literature from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ifẹ̀, Nigeria—one of the most renowned institutions for African cultural studies.

Residing in Brazil for over three decades, he expanded his academic and theoretical pursuits in the fields of communication and Afro-diasporic thought. He completed a Postgraduate (Disciplinary) program in Journalism at the ECA – Escola de Comunicações e Artes, University of São Paulo, and later became a researcher at PROLAM – Programa de Integração da América Latina, where he specialized in Ethnic Psychology and the Ifá Literary Corpus. He also holds a Doctorate in Literature from the Universidade Hebraica (Febraica) in Brazil.

A prolific visual artist and writer , Olaiya is celebrated for his abstract compositions, bold use of color, and multi-textured surfaces that fuse sacred symbolism . Olaiya’s paintings and artistic expressions reflect core Yorùbá philosophical and metaphysical concepts such as Orí (inner consciousness), Èèwọ̀ (taboo/prohibition), Ifá (divination and destiny), and the Òrìṣà (divine archetypes), exploring these themes through a visual language that is both ritualistic and revolutionary. His artistic process is not merely aesthetic—it is spiritual and restorative.

Beyond his studio practice, Olaiya has established himself as a leading voice in cultural education and community engagement. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Ancestral News, an intercultural journal dedicated to African heritage, spirituality, and resistance. He has served as a guest lecturer and curator at institutions such as SENAC-SP, the Centro Cultural Africano, and the Portal Afro Cultural Institute, sharing his insights on Yorùbá cosmology, Black consciousness, and the power of ancestral knowledge in contemporary life.

His work has been exhibited widely across the globe, including in Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Cuba, the United States, and Spain. Notable exhibitions include Alaseku – Ancestral Journeys (Casa de Angola, São Paulo), Rituais da Memória (Bahia), Divine Lineage (Johannesburg), Caminos Ancestrales (Havana), and Afro-Futurismo Sagrado (Barcelona). In 2024, his pieces were also featured in O Colorido Negro, a landmark exhibition at the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (ALESP), showcasing African ancestral aesthetics in Brazilian contemporary art.

Olaiya’s excellence has earned him numerous academic and artistic honors in Brazil and internationally. He was awarded a prestigious Prize for Excellence by Egbe Omo Oodua during the National Yoruba Day in São Paulo, and honored by the Faculty of Law at the Federal University of ABC during Brazil’s Black Awareness celebrations. His contributions to cultural preservation and artistic innovation have made him a highly respected figure among intellectuals, artists, and spiritual leaders alike.

Today, Adeyinka Olaiya is recognized as one of the most vital contemporary voices in Afro-diasporic art and thought. His work functions as both archive and altar—preserving endangered knowledge systems while igniting new conversations around identity, resilience, and the sacred. Whether on canvas, in lecture halls, or through community activism, he continues to inspire a global reconnection with African heritage, offering art as a vessel for healing, resistance, and rebirth.

The post Adeyinka Olaiya – The Biography of a Nigerian Yoruba Cultural Theorist, Afro-Diasporic Artist, and Yorùbá Arts & Philosophy Intellectual appeared first on The Ancestral News.

In a historic move that promises to reshape air travel and diplomatic relations between Africa and South America, the Nigerian government has granted its largest airline, Air Peace, official approval to launch direct passenger flights to Brazil. In return, Brazil’s LATAM Airlines will begin cargo flights to Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the aviation and diplomatic cooperation between the two regional powers.

Air Peace secures Nigerian government approval to begin passenger flights to Brazil, while LATAM prepares to launch cargo operations to Nigeria. The deal follows a high-level meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The announcement came from Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who confirmed that Air Peace has been designated to operate the Nigeria–Brazil route as soon as it secures a suitable aircraft. The initiative is the result of bilateral discussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signaling a new era in South–South cooperation.

“The launch of direct air connectivity is not just a logistical advancement—it symbolizes our nations’ commitment to deepening engagement across multiple sectors,” said Minister Tuggar.
The move aims to boost trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and diplomatic ties between Africa’s most populous country and Latin America’s largest economy, enhancing connectivity between two regions that historically have had limited direct links despite cultural and ancestral connections.

The introduction of direct flights is also expected to spark a major tourism boom between Nigeria and Brazil. With Brazil being home to the largest African-descendant population outside the continent, and Nigeria holding one of Africa’s richest cultural and spiritual heritages, tourism flows are expected to increase in both directions. Brazilian tourists interested in exploring Yorùbá traditions, historical slave routes, and Nigerian festivals will now have easier access to the country. Likewise, Nigerian travelers seeking cultural experiences, beaches, education, and religious pilgrimages in Brazil—especially to states like Bahia and Rio de Janeiro—will benefit from reduced costs and direct access.

While Air Peace is currently awaiting delivery of a new long-haul aircraft to begin its Brazil operations, LATAM Airlines has expressed its readiness to commence freight services to Nigeria immediately after Air Peace’s route becomes operational. According to reports from Market Forces Africa, Air Peace has ordered 35 Embraer aircraft, five of which have already been delivered. One of the new aircraft will be dedicated to the Brazil route—ushering in a new phase for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“This is not only a milestone for Nigerian aviation but a breakthrough for all of Africa, which has long lacked direct links to South America,” said a senior aviation official in Lagos.

The aviation agreement is part of broader diplomatic and economic efforts between Nigeria and Brazil. Brazilian authorities have indicated interest in partnering with Nigeria for capacity building in aviation, media, and trade, including training opportunities for Nigerian professionals.
Both governments also view the air link as a key enabler of cultural, educational, and religious tourism. With millions of Brazilians practicing African-derived religions and a growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities in Brazil, a direct route will reduce costs, shorten travel time, and open doors for cultural reconnection.

For the first time, two of the Global South’s leading economies—Nigeria and Brazil—will be directly connected by both passenger and cargo air services, without relying on transit through Europe or North America. The agreement not only brings logistical and economic benefits, but also serves as a powerful symbol of diasporic reconnection, offering an avenue for Africans and Afro-descendants in the Americas to engage more directly. It will also promote Afro-tourism, cultural heritage visits, religious pilgrimages, and historical exploration between both nations. “This is more than a flight—it is a bridge between continents and cultures,” noted a Brazilian diplomat involved in the negotiations.

Air Peace is expected to commence direct flights in the coming months, once its new aircraft is delivered and cleared for international service. LATAM is set to launch cargo operations soon after, with weekly shipments of Brazilian goods to Nigeria and vice versa. Both governments are reportedly planning official launch ceremonies, with the participation of diplomatic representatives, business leaders, and members of the African and Afro-Brazilian communities.
The direct air link between Nigeria and Brazil marks a defining moment in South–South diplomacy.

As the world’s geopolitical landscape evolves, partnerships like this one demonstrate that emerging economies can lead the way in forging meaningful, mutually beneficial connections. With planes soon to fly across the Atlantic between Lagos and São Paulo, the skies are opening up to a new era of Afro-Latin American solidarity, exchange, and tourism.

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A companhia aérea Air Peace recebe aprovação do governo nigeriano para iniciar voos de passageiros ao Brasil, enquanto a LATAM se prepara para lançar operações de carga para a Nigéria. O acordo segue uma reunião de alto nível entre os presidentes Bola Tinubu e Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Em um movimento histórico que promete redefinir as relações diplomáticas e as viagens aéreas entre a África e a América do Sul, o governo nigeriano concedeu à sua maior companhia aérea, a Air Peace, autorização oficial para operar voos diretos de passageiros para o Brasil. Em contrapartida, a LATAM Airlines do Brasil começará voos de carga para a Nigéria — um marco importante na cooperação aérea e diplomática entre as duas potências regionais.

O anúncio foi feito pelo Ministro das Relações Exteriores da Nigéria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, que confirmou que a Air Peace foi designada para operar a rota Nigéria–Brasil assim que garantir uma aeronave adequada. A iniciativa é fruto das discussões bilaterais entre o presidente Bola Ahmed Tinubu e o presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, sinalizando uma nova era na cooperação Sul–Sul.

“O lançamento da conectividade aérea direta não é apenas um avanço logístico — simboliza o compromisso de nossas nações em aprofundar o engajamento em diversos setores”, afirmou o ministro Tuggar.

O objetivo da medida é impulsionar o comércio, o turismo, o intercâmbio cultural e os laços diplomáticos entre o país mais populoso da África e a maior economia da América Latina, fortalecendo a conexão entre duas regiões que historicamente tiveram poucos vínculos diretos, apesar das conexões culturais e ancestrais.

A introdução de voos diretos também deve desencadear um grande boom no turismo entre Nigéria e Brasil. Com o Brasil abrigando a maior população de descendentes de africanos fora do continente, e a Nigéria detendo um dos patrimônios culturais e espirituais mais ricos da África, espera-se um aumento expressivo nos fluxos turísticos em ambas as direções.

Turistas brasileiros interessados em explorar as tradições iorubás, rotas históricas da escravidão e festivais nigerianos terão acesso mais facilitado ao país. Da mesma forma, viajantes nigerianos em busca de experiências culturais, praias, educação e peregrinações religiosas no Brasil — especialmente em estados como Bahia e Rio de Janeiro — serão beneficiados com custos reduzidos e acesso direto.

Enquanto a Air Peace aguarda a entrega de uma nova aeronave de longo alcance para iniciar suas operações no Brasil, a LATAM Airlines já demonstrou prontidão para começar os serviços de carga para a Nigéria assim que a rota da Air Peace estiver em operação. Segundo informações da Market Forces Africa, a Air Peace encomendou 35 aeronaves da Embraer, das quais cinco já foram entregues. Uma dessas novas aeronaves será dedicada à rota com o Brasil — inaugurando uma nova fase para o setor de aviação da Nigéria.

“Isso não é apenas um marco para a aviação nigeriana, mas um avanço para toda a África, que há muito tempo carece de ligações diretas com a América do Sul”, afirmou um alto funcionário do setor aéreo em Lagos. O acordo de aviação faz parte de esforços diplomáticos e econômicos mais amplos entre Nigéria e Brasil. As autoridades brasileiras manifestaram interesse em parcerias com a Nigéria para o desenvolvimento de capacidades nos setores de aviação, mídia e comércio, incluindo oportunidades de formação profissional para nigerianos.

Ambos os governos também enxergam o elo aéreo como um facilitador essencial para o turismo cultural, educacional e religioso. Com milhões de brasileiros praticando religiões de matriz africana e um número crescente de nigerianos buscando oportunidades no Brasil, a rota direta irá reduzir custos, encurtar o tempo de viagem e abrir portas para reconexões culturais. Pela primeira vez, duas das principais economias do Sul Global — Nigéria e Brasil — estarão conectadas diretamente por voos de passageiros e de carga, sem necessidade de escalas na Europa ou na América do Norte.

O acordo não traz apenas benefícios logísticos e econômicos, mas também serve como um poderoso símbolo de reconexão diaspórica, oferecendo uma via para que africanos e afrodescendentes nas Américas possam se engajar de forma mais direta. A iniciativa também promoverá o afroturismo, visitas ao patrimônio cultural, peregrinações religiosas e explorações históricas entre os dois países.

“Isso é mais do que um voo — é uma ponte entre continentes e culturas”, observou um diplomata brasileiro envolvido nas negociações.

A Air Peace deve iniciar os voos diretos nos próximos meses, assim que sua nova aeronave for entregue e autorizada para operação internacional. A LATAM está programada para lançar operações de carga logo em seguida, com envios semanais de mercadorias brasileiras para a Nigéria e vice-versa. Ambos os governos estariam planejando cerimônias oficiais de lançamento, com a participação de representantes diplomáticos, líderes empresariais e membros das comunidades africana e afro-brasileira.

O novo elo aéreo direto entre Nigéria e Brasil marca um momento definidor na diplomacia Sul–Sul. À medida que o cenário geopolítico global evolui, parcerias como essa demonstram que as economias emergentes podem liderar o caminho na construção de conexões significativas e mutuamente benéficas. Com aviões em breve cruzando o Atlântico entre Lagos e São Paulo, os céus se abrem para uma nova era de solidariedade, intercâmbio e turismo afro-latino-americano.

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Em uma entrevista exclusiva concedida ao jornalista e pesquisador Adeyinka Olaiya, o Professor Wande Abimbola — Awise Awo Àgbàyé (Porta-Voz Mundial de Ifá) — reafirmou que a iniciação em Ifá (Ìtẹ́fá) não está limitada à Nigéria. Segundo o renomado intelectual e mais alta autoridade viva em Ifá, esse ritual sagrado tem sido realizado com sucesso em várias partes da diáspora africana, com plena legitimidade.

“Já iniciei milhares de devotos não só na Nigéria, mas também no Brasil, em Cuba e nos Estados Unidos, onde atualmente resido”, afirmou Abimbola.

O professor, que levou Ifá ao Vaticano em uma iniciativa histórica de diálogo inter-religioso, declarou com orgulho:

“Hoje Ifá está presente no Vaticano. Temos iniciados na Europa e nas Américas. Ifá é um fenômeno natural — é universal. ‘Ifá ngbá ayé lọ, ògberì ọmọ’ — Ifá ultrapassa os limites da terra e Ogberi dúvida .”

Respondendo a críticas e preconceitos de certos setores que insistem que iniciações realizadas fora da Nigéria são inválidas, Abimbola foi enfático:

“É incorreto afirmar que uma iniciação em Ifá na diáspora não tem valor, a menos que seja feita na Nigéria. Òrúnmìlà não é nigeriano. A Nigéria enquanto país só foi criada em 1914. Òrúnmìlà Ẹlẹ́rìnpin é testemunha da criação e difundiu o conhecimento de Ifá por todo o planeta. Faça sua iniciação onde você estiver — desde que com um Oluwo capacitado e verdadeiro — independentemente do país.”

A fala do Awise Awo Àgbàyé reforça não apenas a legitimidade da prática do culto de Ifá fora da África, como também valoriza a força espiritual da diáspora que busca reconexão com suas raízes e destino. Também em diálogo com Adeyinka Olaiya, o Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, presidente de honra do International Council for Ifá Religion (ICIR), corroborou a visão do Professor Abimbola e aprofundou o entendimento sobre a importância do Ìtẹ́fá.

“A iniciação em Ifá é o pacto espiritual que liga o ser humano ao seu Orí — à sua cabeça interior, ao seu destino. Para quem está verdadeiramente em busca de seus caminhos e de sua missão nesta vida, é fundamental passar por esse rito. E essa iniciação pode ser feita em qualquer parte do mundo onde haja Bàbáláwos preparados e legítimos.”

Segundo Dr. Fayemi, o Brasil é um dos países mais promissores nesse sentido: “O Brasil é um exemplo claro. Temos excelentes Bàbáláwos, tanto nigerianos quanto brasileiros. E hoje, muitos brasileiros estão se destacando no culto de Ifá e dos Òrìṣà — por isso, estão plenamente aptos a iniciarem outros com responsabilidade e conhecimento.”

Itefa em qualquer lugar, seja na Nigéria ou na diáspora, desde que sejam respeitadas as regras e os aspectos rituais exigidos. Não é a terra ou o solo que determina a legitimidade da iniciação, mas sim quem a conduz e como ela é realizada — sem distorções e sem quebrar os preceitos do Ìtẹ́fá. “ A ideia de que todos precisam viajar até a Nigéria para se iniciarem é irracional”, afirma o Àwíṣẹ Awo Àgbàyé, Professor Wande Abimbola.

É importante destacar que o Ìtẹ́fá não pode ser feito por um único Bàbáláwo. A iniciação exige a presença de outros sacerdotes e, especialmente, a participação de uma Ìyánífá, que carrega Èṣù durante o processo. A cerimônia completa depende de um coletivo de saberes e de forças espirituais bem alinhadas.

Por isso, é fundamental saber com quem você está se iniciando. Hoje em dia, infelizmente, muitos se autoproclamam Bàbáláwo, mas na verdade não possuem preparo, nem legitimidade espiritual. São, nas palavras de muitos mestres, “inúteis com título”. Buscar os verdadeiros é sempre o melhor caminho — aqueles que têm formação, linhagem reconhecida, prática ética e profundo compromisso com o culto de Ifá.

Prof. Wándé Abimbọ́lá é um renomado intelectual, sacerdote de Ifá e defensor da cultura iorubá. Nascido em Oyo, Nigéria, em 1932, foi o primeiro doutor em Literatura Iorubá pela Universidade de Lagos. Atuou como professor em várias universidades na Nigéria e nos EUA, além de ter sido Vice-Chanceler da Obafemi Awolowo University. Em 1981, foi consagrado como Àwíṣẹ Awo Àgbàyé, porta-voz mundial do culto de Ifá. É considerado o maior sacerdote de Ifá ainda vivo, respeitado internacionalmente por sua sabedoria, integridade e contribuição à preservação das tradições iorubás.

Com essas declarações contundentes e esclarecedoras, duas das maiores autoridades vivas do culto de Ifá reafirmam o caráter universal e atemporal da tradição de Òrúnmìlà. Ifá não conhece fronteiras políticas nem limitações geográficas: ele vive onde há verdade, sabedoria e busca sincera pela conexão com o destino e o sagrado.

The post Iniciar-se no Ifá fora da África é legítimo”– Ifá sem Fronteiras, afirma o Àwíṣẹ Awo Àgbàyé, Prof. Wandé Abímbọlá appeared first on The Ancestral News.

In a historic move signaling a bold step for South–South cooperation, Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, accompanied by his wife Maria Lúcia Alckmin and a high-level delegation of ministers and business leaders, arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on June 24, 2025, to participate in the 2nd Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. This landmark visit resulted in a series of bilateral agreements set to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, digital innovation, tourism, arts, and culture.

Among the most celebrated outcomes of the visit is a landmark audiovisual and cultural co-production agreement between the two nations—ushering in a new era of global storytelling between two of the most culturally dynamic countries of the Global South.

As part of the accord, the Nigerian government formally committed to training over 800 Brazilian artists, filmmakers, and technicians in Nollywood’s renowned movie production techniques. The training program will be rolled out in phases across Lagos, Abuja, and select regional film hubs. It aims to transfer essential technical skills, production strategies, and culturally grounded storytelling methods that have propelled Nollywood to become the second-largest film industry in the world by volume.

This initiative builds on a long-standing interest expressed by the Brazilian government in learning from Nigeria’s cinematic expertise. Now institucionalized through the treaty, the agreement also includes provisions for Brazilian filmmakers to co-direct films with Nigerian counterparts, co-finance projects, and access public and private cultural funds in both countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the symbolic and practical importance of the accord, calling it “a powerful emblem of Afro-diasporic reconnection and creative sovereignty.” His Brazilian counterpart, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as “a concrete step toward a polyphonic and globally relevant cinema, rooted in African and Latin American identities.”

The visit also witnessed the signing of over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including:

A US$1 billion Green Imperative deal to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector with Brazilian machinery, training programs, and support infrastructure.

Agreements in renewable energy, defense cooperation, legal intelligence, health services, and digital transformation.

A tourism cooperation initiative to establish direct flights between Brazil and Nigeria, aimed at boosting cultural tourism and strengthening people-to-people connections.

On the cultural front, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced plans to reopen the Nigerian Cultural House in Brazil and to launch joint festivals that celebrate shared Yorùbá heritage, spirituality, and Afro-Brazilian identity. The agreement also includes support for joint research, artist residencies, and language preservation programs grounded in ancestral traditions.

This mission reflects President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Afro-centered foreign policy, which repositions Brazil as a strategic partner in Africa’s development and cultural resurgence. For Nigeria, it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies culture, technology, and agriculture as key pillars of national transformation.

Of all the agreements signed, the audiovisual accord stands out as a triumph of cultural diplomacy. It not only empowers the next generation of Brazilian filmmakers but also enhances Nigeria’s global influence as a cultural powerhouse. By opening Nollywood’s creative ecosystem to Brazilian students and collaborators, Nigeria extends its soft power and builds bridges of identity, solidarity, and shared imagination across the Atlantic.

In a joint statement, both vice presidents declared: “We are writing a new chapter—where Africa and Latin America speak in their own voice, tell their own stories, and stand together in shaping a world where cultural sovereignty and mutual respect are non-negotiable.” As filmmakers, artists, scholars, and entrepreneurs from Lagos to São Paulo prepare for this new era, one message rings clear: The Global South is not waiting to be included—it is creating, leading, and narrating its own future.

Nollywood, Nigeria’s ever-evolving film industry, has made a historic breakthrough by securing a presence at the prestigious Cannes Arthouse, marking a pivotal moment in the global recognition of African storytelling. Known for its innovation, resilience, and cultural richness, Nollywood has grown from grassroots beginnings into a cinematic powerhouse, producing thousands of films each year that captivate audiences across Africa and the diaspora.

Cannes Arthouse refers to a specialized section of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to independent, experimental, and auteur-driven cinema. Unlike the glitz of the main red carpet, the Arthouse platform is revered for showcasing bold, visionary works that push the boundaries of narrative structure, aesthetic form, and cultural discourse.

For Nigerian filmmakers, entering this space represents more than just international acclaim , it signifies recognition of their work as artistically significant and globally relevant. It acknowledges that Nollywood is not only a commercial giant but also a space of serious cinematic craft and innovation.

The inclusion of Nigerian films in Cannes Arthouse is a powerful validation of the industry’s global relevance and creative depth. It opens the door for more co-productions, deeper cultural exchanges, and the elevation of African voices on some of the most respected screens in the world. Together, these developments in partnership with Brazil and the international recognition at Cannes—signal a new dawn for Nollywood and for the creative ecosystems of the Global South. The world is not only watching; it is beginning to listen.

The post Groundbreaking: Brazil Seeks Expertise from Nollywood Productions, Signs Audiovisual Accord as Nigerian Films Make Historic Entry into Cannes Arthouse appeared first on The Ancestral News.

The ancient city of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria, became the cultural heartbeat of the Yoruba world on Sunday, June 8, 2025, as thousands of people—sons and daughters of Ijebuland, dignitaries, traditional chiefs, artists, tourists, and culture bearers—gathered for the annual Ojúde Ọba Festival.

Held on the third day after the Islamic Eid al-Adha celebration, this clássic event has grown far beyond its religious origins to become one of Nigeria’s most prestigious cultural festivals, attracting national and international attention for its grandeur, historical continuity, and unifying spirit.

This year’s festival, like those before it, was dedicated to honoring the revered monarch of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebu. For over six decades, Oba Adetona has stood as a symbol of dignity, modernity, and the preservation of Yoruba tradition. In his honor, the people of Ijebuland presented a living tapestry of culture, with processions, praise poetry, fashion, music, and ritual displays that reflect the values of identity, resilience, and sacred memory.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the festival was the majestic parade of the regberegbe, or age-grade groups, each displaying unity, creativity, and communal pride. This year, over ninety regberegbe groups participated, surpassing the numbers of previous years and signaling an increased commitment among younger generations to uphold cultural legacies. Dressed in intricately woven aso-oke, silk, lace, damask, and richly adorned accessories, the groups made their way to the palace courtyard with music, chants, and symbolic offerings. Some moved with choreographed dance steps, others with spontaneous eruptions of praise-singing. Yet all carried a single message: that Ijebuland is one, rooted, and radiant.

Amid the thunderous applause of the spectators, the Balogun families made their grand entrance on horseback. These are warrior lineages whose ancestors defended the land and upheld justice in precolonial Yoruba society. Riding magnificently adorned horses and accompanied by a retinue of praise singers, drummers, and gunmen firing ceremonial shots into the air, the Balogun procession invoked ancestral spirits and rekindled collective pride. Their presence bridged the past and present, showing that the stories of valor and heritage are not only remembered but enacted each year as a living ritual.

In his keynote address, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the festival as a “mirror of our shared identity and a powerful engine for cultural and economic tourism.” He reiterated his administration’s intention to continue supporting cultural events as part of the state’s broader development agenda. According to him, Ojúde Ọba has not only become a unifying force among the Ijebu people but also an economic lifeline for local artisans, hoteliers, food vendors, textile traders, and performers whose services surge during the season.

Among the special guests was Mr. Ladi Balogun, CEO of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), a consistent sponsor of the festival. He emphasized the critical role of Ojúde Ọba in community development, economic empowerment, and youth engagement. According to him, “This festival is not just a celebration. It is a platform for enterprise, creativity, and continuity. When you invest in culture, you invest in the future.”

Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy were also present and revealed that the Nigerian government is taking steps to seek UNESCO recognition for the Ojúde Ọba Festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The move aligns with Nigeria’s “Destination 2030” initiative, which aims to harness the economic potential of culture and tourism to generate over $100 billion in revenue while also preserving indigenous knowledge systems and spiritual values.

Despite its spectacular aesthetics and festive atmosphere, Ojúde Ọba is more than just a cultural showcase. It is a sacred performance of identity and memory. The rituals, the poetry, the fashion, the drumming, and the symbolic tributes to the Awujale all function as acts of remembering and re-membering—retrieving the past, reactivating community, and renewing sacred bonds. It is at once religious, historical, political, and artistic. A multi-sensory archive where color becomes prayer, rhythm becomes testimony, and the public square becomes a sacred grove.

The 2025 edition reaffirmed that culture is not static. It lives in motion, in procession, in adaptation. While rooted in Yoruba tradition, the festival today embraces modernity and pluralism, welcoming Christians, Muslims, traditional worshippers, and global observers into the same ceremonial space. This is perhaps the most profound lesson of Ojúde Ọba—that cultural memory, when nurtured with dignity and vision, can become a path to unity, creativity, and national renewal.

As the sun set over Ijebu-Ode and the final horses rode past the palace gates, the spirit of the ancestors could be felt in the air—alive, celebrated, and reborn through every drumbeat, every bead, every bowed head of respect. The people did not merely watch a festival. They participated in a sacred covenant, one that transcends generations and speaks the language of honor, courage, and collective pride. Ojúde Ọba is not just an event. It is a shrine in motion.

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