Presidents Lula and Tinubu Endorse ‘Heritage Voyage of Return’ Project in Historic Brazil Meeting

In a significant meeting at the Legislative Chamber of the Federal District of Brasilia, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and the coordinators of the Heritage Voyage of Return (HVR) Project. The meeting served to present the HVR, a reverse slave trade route project designed to reconnect the African Diaspora with the continent, using Brazil as its launch point.

The champions of the project, Ajoyemi Osunleye and Carolina Morais, explained that the initiative aims to consolidate ties between Brazil, Nigeria, and Africa at large by using “culture, art, and history to build bridges of understanding.” A visibly moved President Lula pledged his full support, affirming “Brazil’s commitment to celebrating the shared heritage that unites the two nations.”

The event was noted for its display of mutual respect, highlighted when President Tinubu “show[ed] respect and humility by standing up to offer his seat to Professor Soyinka and called him ‘egbon’, elder brother.” An observer noted, “The grace on Soyinka became the grace on us all.”

Following a private audience with President Lula, Professor Soyinka joined Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso—an Afro-Brazilian descendant—for a session with Brazilian lawmakers and Afro-Brazilian leaders. Governor Cardoso, representing President Tinubu, formally presented the HVR Project to the Brazilian Parliament.

In his address, Cardoso highlighted the unprecedented alignment between the two leaders, stating, “The commitment between the leadership of President Lula and President Tinubu is unprecedented… Both leaders are aligned in vision, and we can already see the immense possibilities for cooperation between our countries.”

He reflected on the deep historical bonds, pointing to the vibrant Brazilian-descendant communities in Lagos that have preserved elements of Brazilian culture. “If we cannot seize this opportunity for collaboration now, then we have ourselves to blame,” Cardoso emphasized. “Our shared heritage must be transformed into pathways for cultural diplomacy, creative economy growth, heritage tourism, and education. This is not only an opportunity but a responsibility.”

The session also celebrated the ongoing success of Yoruba studies in Brazil and Afro-Brazilian festivals in Nigeria as living examples of cultural exchange.

In recognition of their roles, President Tinubu, Professor Soyinka, and Governor Cardoso were honored with awards by the President of the Education and Culture Commission, Gabriel Pereira da Cruz. According to Pereira da Cruz, the awards symbolized a step toward a future where shared heritage forms the foundation of renewed global partnerships.