The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has formally recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has presented UNESCO’s certificate of inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I.

The minister made the presentation at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival held over the weekend in Oyo.

Ms Musawa stated that the achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

According to her, the feat is a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

The minister lauded the collaborative efforts between her Ministry and the Oyo community, noting that the recognition aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of cultural promotion, employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.

“I heartily congratulate Your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.

“The Sango Festival has now attained global recognition with its inscription by UNESCO on the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is made possible by effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy 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,” said Ms Musawa.

According to her, this achievement is a shining gain of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Through our ministry’s commitment to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism. The foregoing further strengthens the foundation of our strong cultural identity, geared towards employment generation and wealth creation for sustainable development, empowerment of the host community, and Nigeria,” she said.

In his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo thanked Mr Tinubu and the ministry for their renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which has led to this remarkable feat.

The monarch reiterated the Oyo Kingdom’s cooperation with the government and the ministry to further promote Nigeria’s cultural identity on the global stage.

(NAN)