The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a Nigerian federal agency, has unveiled an ambitious initiative, the Annual World Orisa Congress, projected to generate a substantial $5 billion in revenue and attract over a million visitors globally. This project, deeply rooted in cultural preservation and economic revitalization, aims to leverage Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and improve the living standards of its citizens. NICO recognizes the potential of cultural tourism as a revenue-generating engine, drawing inspiration from countries like Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, India, and China, which have successfully capitalized on their cultural assets to attract global audiences. This initiative seeks to tap into the growing global interest in ancestral tourism and cultural exchange, positioning Nigeria as a focal point for cultural exploration and understanding.
The World Orisa Congress holds profound significance as a platform for reconnecting Africans in the Diaspora with their ancestral roots. Driven by a yearning to trace their heritage back to the source, descendants of enslaved Africans dispersed across the globe, particularly in the Caribbean and the Americas, are seeking opportunities to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. The Congress aims to facilitate this reconnection, offering a space for spiritual and cultural reunification, fostering a sense of shared identity and common destiny among people of African descent. This spiritual and cultural homecoming is expected to resonate deeply with millions of individuals around the world, drawing them to Nigeria to experience their ancestral heritage firsthand.
NICO anticipates that the Congress will draw approximately 500 million people globally who identify with traditional African religions and venerate various deities. Brazil alone, with an estimated 89 million individuals of Orisa descent, represents a significant potential source of participants. This global convergence of Orisa devotees will not only enrich Nigeria’s cultural landscape but also inject significant revenue into the economy, creating opportunities for sustainable development and improving the lives of Nigerian citizens. The Congress is envisioned as an annual event, ensuring a consistent flow of visitors and sustained economic benefits.
The World Orisa Congress promises a multifaceted experience, encompassing ceremonial practices, social interactions, vibrant festivals, traditional craftsmanship, and the sharing of ancestral knowledge about nature and the universe. It will serve as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, fostering global cooperation and rapprochement. This immersive cultural exchange will not only promote tourism but also contribute to a greater appreciation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage, positioning the nation as a hub for cultural exchange and innovation.
Extensive collaborations are already underway to ensure the success of the World Orisa Congress. NICO is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Diaspora Commission to mobilize global participation. Diaspora communities in the United States, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and other Caribbean countries have expressed enthusiastic support for the project, pledging both material and human resources. This collaborative effort underscores the global reach and significance of the Congress, highlighting the shared commitment to preserving and celebrating African cultural heritage.
NICO envisions the World Orisa Congress as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural renaissance in Nigeria. By tapping into the global interest in ancestral tourism and cultural exchange, the project aims to generate substantial revenue, create sustainable economic opportunities, and elevate Nigeria’s standing on the world stage. The Congress will also serve as a powerful symbol of unity and cultural pride for people of African descent around the world, strengthening their ties to their ancestral homeland and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of African culture. This initiative underscores the transformative power of culture as a driver of economic development, social cohesion, and global understanding.
