The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for the Sango Festival, officially recognising the celebration as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
The certificate presentation followed UNESCO’s decision to include the festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, after Nigeria’s successful proposal.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, had handed the certificate to the Oyo State Government on August 16, 2025, during the grand finale of the World Sango Festival in Oyo town.
Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, later presented the certificate to Governor Makinde at the State Executive Council meeting on August 19. He praised Makinde for his unwavering support for cultural and tourism activities, which elevated the Sango Festival into an international event.
Governor Makinde expressed gratitude to the commissioner and his team, noting that their dedication and collaboration made the UNESCO recognition possible.
The Sango Festival, rooted in Yoruba tradition, has grown into a global cultural attraction, drawing visitors, foreign envoys, and dignitaries from across the world to Oyo town.
