The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has officially recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, presented the UNESCO certificate to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, during the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo State over the weekend.
Musawa described the recognition as a milestone in Nigeria’s cultural development, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s heritage while promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
“The Sango Festival has now attained global recognition, thanks to collaboration between the ministry and the Oyo community,” the minister said.
“This achievement strengthens Nigeria’s cultural identity and supports employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.”
The Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the ministry for their role in promoting Nigerian culture globally.
He reaffirmed the Oyo Kingdom’s commitment to working with the federal government to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage on the world stage.
The 2025 Sango Festival, which drew dignitaries from Nigeria and abroad, served as the backdrop for the historic certificate presentation, highlighting the festival’s significance as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
