Osun State Targets Brazil for Investment, Tourism Boost

 
 
Mary Nnah

 
 
In a development poised to revolutionise the fortunes of Osun State, a five-member delegation from the state government will embark on a historic visit to Brazil from August 11th to 19th, 2024. This strategic initiative is expected to unlock billions of dollars in investment and tourism while rekindling cultural ties between the two nations.
 
According to Ajoyemi Olabisi Osunleye, Managing Partner of African Pride Brasil and Representative of The Diaspora African Forum of the African Union in Brasil, “This visit marks the first official engagement between Osun State and Brazil, and it promises to generate significant interest. We’re expecting a massive boost in tourism and investment, strengthening Osun State’s economy and paving the way for a brighter future.”

This visit was proposed by the African Pride Company in Brazil, in conjunction with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Cultural Affairs.

This initiative draws inspiration from the two significant visits of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, in 2018 and 2023. During these visits, he met with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and addressed the nation in a special session at the Federal Parliament.
 
The delegation’s primary objective is to tap into Brazil’s vast Afro-Brazilian population, estimated at 124 million, with 85 million identifying with the Yoruba Orixa religion. By connecting Osun devotees in Brazil with their spiritual roots in Nigeria, Osun State encourages regular visits for religious pilgrimages, tourism, educational exchanges, and economic partnerships.
 
With Brazil hosting the G20 summit in November, coinciding with Black Consciousness Month, the timing couldn’t be more opportune. Afro-Brazilians are seeking opportunities to connect with Africa. Osun State is poised to capitalise on this interest, fostering a new era of cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
 
 The delegation will be hosted at the Rio de Janeiro Parliament and a respected Ile Ase in São Paulo, with various closed-door business meetings planned. Notably, the delegation will be graced by the presence of His Royal Majesty, Timi of Ede, Oba Lawal Munirudeen Adesola, the Sango of Ede.
 
“We believe this visit will ignite greater interest among Afro-Brazilians in viewing Africa as their ancestral homeland and will help dispel the narrative that their African brothers sold, forgot, and abandoned them during and after slavery”, Osunleye added.