The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for their commitment to fostering cultural ties between Africa and the Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this at a cultural and heritage event held in the Legislative Chambers of Brasília, Brazil.
The NiDCOM Boss outlined the significance of the “heritage dialogue and future” symbolised by the historic “Door of Return Festival” project in Lagos.
An engaging town hall meeting with @officialABAT and Nigerians in Brazil which @nidcom_gov successfully put together. Attended by Nigerians in Brazil and Afro Brazilian descendants, Mr President interacted candidly with them in a no holds barred session pic.twitter.com/lj4DYijbQI
— abikedabiri (@abikedabiri) August 27, 2025
“We are preparing to open the permanent Door of Return on October 18.”
”It’s a symbolic gateway connecting the diaspora back to their motherland—historically, spiritually, economically,” she said.
The event highlighted Prof. Wole Soyinka’s “Return to Africa” project, symbolising a spiritual and cultural reconnection with African roots.
Prof. Soyinka described the “Return to Africa” project as “a symbolic return: “not about physically going back, but spiritually reconnecting with our African heritage, highlighting the resilience and strength of the African people.”
Also, Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said, “As an Afro-Brazilian descendant, I take great pride in this moment of connection and mixing of people.”
He underlined the practical impact of new direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil as a “game changer” for business and cultural exchanges.
The event was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the Brazilian capital, Brasília.