The Federal Government has announced plans to establish the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON)—a global cultural and spiritual gathering to boost Nigeria’s economy through spiritual tourism.
The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Chief Abiodun Ajiboye, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday in Lagos. He said the congress aims to bring together Orisha devotees from across the world in a major cultural celebration.
Ajiboye said Nigeria stands to generate over \$10 billion annually from spiritual and cultural tourism if well planned, just as countries like Brazil, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and India have done through religious events.
“This is a ground-breaking initiative to position Nigeria as a top cultural tourism destination. Our rich Yoruba heritage, especially Orisha traditions, has global recognition. We are tapping into that,” he said.
Ajiboye also revealed that Nigeria would partner with Brazil to address the misrepresentation of Yoruba religion and promote ethical practice among Orisha adherents abroad.
Speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended the federal government for recognizing Yoruba spirituality, saying Orisha represents “the essence of living” and connects deeply to nature.
“Our culture, religion, and traditions are built on nature. Orisha are forces of nature—water, fire, herbs, and even protection,” he said, while decrying past mischaracterisations of the religion.
Brazil’s Consul-General, Manuel Santos, highlighted the influence of Orisha traditions in Brazil, describing them as “ancestral spirits” celebrated with music, ritual, and dance.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, a Global Patron of WOOCON, praised the initiative, saying Orisha culture predates modern national boundaries and should be preserved as a global spiritual heritage.
He also announced the Heritage Voyage of Return project—a yearly pilgrimage from Brazil to Nigeria that will connect the African diaspora to their roots.
WOOCON’s international consultant, Mr. Ajoyemi Osunleye, said the congress will unite devotees from across continents and show the world that “Africa is not a land of darkness, but a fountain of divine light and spiritual knowledge.”
The event is expected to take place annually and contribute to Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, tourism earnings, and heritage preservation.
