Tinubu, Lula back Soyinka-led heritage voyage to reconnect Afro-descendants

The Heritage Voyage of Return (HVR), a cultural movement aimed at reconnecting Afro-descendants with their ancestral roots in Africa, has secured strong endorsements from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The initiative, championed by The African Pride with Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka as patron, envisions a symbolic sea journey for descendants of enslaved Africans in Brazil, the Caribbean, and the Americas. It is designed as a pathway of spiritual reconnection, belonging, and identity restoration with Africa.

During a private meeting in Brasília, President Lula welcomed Soyinka with a symbolic gesture of mutual respect, declaring Brazil’s full support for the project and describing it as an opportunity to heal historical wounds while strengthening Afro-Brazilian ties with Africa.

The project was formally presented at Brazil’s Legislative Chamber, with Nigeria’s delegation led by Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Prof. Soyinka.

Cardoso, of Afro-Brazilian heritage, highlighted the shared cultural history between both nations and emphasized opportunities in cultural diplomacy, creative economy, heritage tourism, and education.

President Tinubu, speaking at a town hall meeting with Nigerians and Afro-descendants in Brazil, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to HVR, calling it a vital step in reconnecting Africa’s scattered sons and daughters while consolidating Nigeria’s role as a cultural and economic hub for the diaspora.

The movement is the brainchild of Ajoyemi and Carolina Osunleye, founders of The African Pride, who described the project as “a journey of dignity for our collective history.”