Oyo, Brazil To Collaborate On Black Heritage Day

By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has concluded arrangements to jointly host the black heritage day with the Brazilian custodian of culture, Oba Awurela,  Sangokunle Alayande.

Black Heritage Day is marked annually by the Brazilians to commemorate Brazil’s freedom from the Europeans.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed this while receiving Oba Awurela in his office.

According to him, the Oyo state government is ready to parley with Brazil on promotion of culture and tourism.

Olatunbosun lauded Oba Awurela for his plans to expand the frontiers of tourism in Oyo State, using culture as a tool, which will, in turn, boost revenue in the State.

The Commissioner shed light on the mapped-out strategies to drive tourism in the state, through cultural heritage.

He called for further international investment and cooperation to harness the state’s tourism potential.

Oba Awurela, a paternal descendant of Awe in Oyo, said he was in the state to propagate the image of his  household and further build cultural ties between Oyo State and Brazil.

The monarch sought collaboration of the Oyo State Government in the celebration of Brazilian Black Heritage Day, otherwise known as ‘Searchie November’ which is a yearly celebration to commemorate Brazil’s freedom from the Europeans.

Speaking further on the existing cultural integration, Oba Awurela said Brazil and all Diasporans in South America have an Academy that integrates religion and cultural heritage.

He spoke on the plan to create the Oyo Empire in Brazil, which will be known as ‘Oyotedo’.