Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Yemi Cardoso has described the Heritage Voyage Return (HVR) project currently being championed by Nobel Laureate Profeesor Wole Soyinka as a masterstroke that would help woo the Diaspora back to Africa and grow tourism in the continent. Cardoso said this at a historic parliamentary session held at the Legislative Chamber of the Federal District in Brasília, Brazil, while delivering a keynote address in support of the Heritage Voyage of Return Project, a cultural and economic diplomacy initiative being spearheaded by Professor Soyinka.
The event took place as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, under the theme Brazil – Nigeria: Heritage, Dialogue and Future, and was organized by the Oduduwa Heritage Home Brazil in collaboration with Parliamentarian Gabriel Magno.
Cardoso praised the Heritage Voyage of Return Project as a “perfect masterpiece idea” strategically positioned to reconnect the African Diaspora with the continent, describing it as a bold and timely initiative that aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic and cultural vision.
“This is a significant and strategic move. The Heritage Voyage of Return is more than just a cultural initiative—it is an economic catalyst. It will attract the diaspora back to Africa and ultimately boost foreign exchange inflows to Nigeria,”Cardoso stated.
He commended the dedication of Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and Otunba Biodun Ajiboye of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) for their unwavering commitment to the project, noting that their efforts are instrumental in bridging cultural and economic relations between Nigeria and its diaspora communities.
Cardoso also offered high praise to the international coordinators of the project, Mrs. Carolina Morais and Mr. Ajoyemi Osunleye. He said: “After speaking with Ajoyemi and Carolina, I was fully convinced. They are exceptional individuals, true ambassadors of both Nigeria and Brazil. We are indeed lucky to have such a powerful couple leading this initiative alongside Professor Soyinka.”
The CBN Governor underscored the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil—especially among Afro-Brazilian communities in Lagos and Bahia—highlighting shared traditions such as carnivals, cuisine, architecture, and spiritual heritage. He recalled his own past efforts to formalize sister-city relations between Lagos and Salvador, Bahia, a vision he believes is now more attainable than ever.
“Today, there’s an unprecedented level of commitment between our two Presidents—President Lula and President Tinubu. With direct flights now connecting our countries, the time for action is now,” Cardoso affirmed.
He further spotlighted institutions like Lagos State University’s Centre for Afro-Brazilian Studies (LASUCATHS), which currently trains over 600 students in Portuguese and fosters cultural exchanges with Brazilian academic institutions.
He concluded: “This is not just about economics—it is about shared identity, culture, and strategic partnership. If we can’t achieve this now, with all the pieces aligned, then we have only ourselves to blame. Let us seize this moment to build a future of mutual growth, cultural pride, and unity.”
The session was part of a broader cultural diplomacy effort aimed at deepening Nigeria–Brazil relations through heritage, education, tourism, and creative industry collaborations.
