Oyo: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has formally recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, presented UNESCO’s certificate on the inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, during the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival held over the weekend in Oyo State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister stated that this recognition marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized that this achievement demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage and promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism. Musawa praised the collaborative efforts between her Ministry and the Oyo community, highlighting that this recognition aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of cultural promotion, employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.
The minister extended her congratulations to the Alaafin of Oyo, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and the entire Yoruba nation on the successful conclusion of the 2025 World Sango Festival. She noted that the festival’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage, underscoring its importance as a shared global heritage.
The Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the ministry for their commitment to expanding Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which has led to this remarkable achievement. The monarch reiterated the Oyo Kingdom’s cooperation with the administration and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to further promote Nigeria’s cultural identity on a global scale.
The 2025 Sango Festival, which drew dignitaries from both within and outside the country, served as the backdrop for the certificate presentation, highlighting the festival’s significance as a cultural treasure and a symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage.