The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has officially recognised the Sango Festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
At the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival, held over the weekend in Oyo State, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, presented the UNESCO certificate of inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade.
Describing the moment as a landmark achievement, Musawa emphasised its importance in advancing Nigeria’s cultural agenda.
According to the minister, the international recognition reflects “the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.”
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She praised the synergy between the Ministry and the Oyo community, noting the broader national impact of the recognition. “This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage,” Musawa said.
Congratulating the key stakeholders, she stated:
”I heartily congratulate your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.”
She continued:
“The Sango Festival has now attained global recognition with its inscription by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“This is made possible by effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Oyo Community.”
Musawa also highlighted that the recognition aligns with the federal government’s broader development goals:
“This achievement is a shining gain of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu… geared towards employment generation and wealth creation for sustainable development, empowerment of the host community, and Nigeria.”
In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Ministry for their support and dedication to preserving Nigerian culture. He reaffirmed the Oyo Kingdom’s willingness to work alongside the government to elevate Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.
The 2025 Sango Festival, which brought together dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, served as the ideal platform for the official presentation, reinforcing the festival’s stature as a vital cultural legacy and a symbol of national pride.
