UNESCO Recognizes Sango Festival as World Heritage

In a historic moment for Nigerian culture, UNESCO has officially recognized the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, presented the certificate to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, during the grand finale of the 2025 festival.

Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa hailed the recognition as a major milestone for Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and sustainable development. “The Sango Festival’s inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List affirms Nigeria’s position on the global cultural stage. This is a win for the Oyo Kingdom, the Yoruba nation, and all Nigerians,” she said.

The Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry for preserving Nigeria’s heritage, pledging continued support to promote the country’s culture globally.

The 2025 Sango Festival attracted dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and abroad, serving as a vibrant platform for the recognition and showcasing the rich history, spirituality, and resilience of the Yoruba people.

📸 Photo: Minister Musawa presenting the UNESCO certificate to the Alaafin of Oyo