It was a soulful moment when Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Nigerian Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka met on Monday in the South-American country.
The passion they shared contributed an iconic photo that speaks volumes on friendship and diplomacy.
At the meeting that focused on cultural diplomacy while celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage, the discussion highlighted the shared history and cultural connections between Brazil and Africa, particularly through the African diaspora.
According to ‘The Nation’, Lula and Soyinka explored the roles of literature, history, and education in bridging cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding.
The meeting also underscored Brazil’s commitment to promoting racial equity and honouring African contributions to its national identity.
Soyinka’s visit coincided with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic trip to Brazil, during which Tinubu presented Lula with a translated book on myth, literature, and the African world as part of efforts to renew diplomatic and economic ties.
As Africa’s first Nobel laureate in literature, Soyinka continues to champion the preservation and global recognition of African culture and literature.
