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Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr Yemi Cardoso has called for greater cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil. Cardoso made this call recently at a special programme held in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself, and Professor Wole Soyinka at the Legislative Chamber of the Federal District of Brasilia, Brazil, during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil. The CBN Governor was in the Nigerian president’s entourage.
Going down history, Cardoso, a descendant of black returnees from Brazil, said the shared history between Nigeria and Brazil built over so many years, and similarities in cultures have made having closer ties between the two countries imperative.
He explained: “When we talk about similarities with Nigeria, especially in Lagos, there is a Brazilian community made up of descendants of Africans who returned to Africa from Brazil after the abolition of slavery. This community has preserved some Brazilian cultural practices like celebration to honour the patron Saints of Bahia of Brazil, carnival and many others. Carnivals are not just in Brazil; the Brazilian community in Lagos also holds carnivals.
“In the area of architecture, the Brazilian quarters in Lagos Island, with its many cultural, archaeological and architectural artefacts, offer a rich area for further studies.
“Then of course we have by exchange of visits which builds stronger ties between communities.”
Cardoso said he has always worked towards building a closer tie between Nigeria and Brazil. He explained some of the challenges he faced in the past:” In 2006, I convinced the then governor of Lagos State to come to Bahia, and the idea was to sign a protocol of cooperation between Salvador and Lagos. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.
“Notwithstanding, we were still able to bring some delegations from Bahia to Lagos, especially during the carnival. We brought a couple of the groups to the carnival to train and work with the carnivals that were being held in Lagos Island.”
Cardoso said with the great understanding and strong bond between President Tinubu and the Brazilian President which has led to the re-commencement of direct flight between Nigeria and Brazil, there is a greater opportunity for the two countries to do more.
Cardoso spoke further: “Already, there are the pockets of excellence that are already going on with respect to advancing the current Afro-Brazilian heritage.
“One of the objectives is to foster collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil through research courses, lectures, exchange visits, seminars and publications.”
