The Bulgarian government and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are partnering to enhance cultural ties through the teaching of Bulgaria’s folklore dances in the institution.

The Bulgarian embassy said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday that Bulgaria and OAU had built a solid relationship over the past two years.

It explained that the effort resulted in the Bulgarian government’s provision of financial grants for classes and the teaching of Bulgarian folklore dances at the university.

“This is a project that Bulgaria and the university have been working on for several months. Its initial framework was set up by the successful celebration of Bulgarian Day in May 2024 in Ile-Ife.

“During the few weeks of teaching, more than 25 students, mostly from OAU’s Faculty of Arts’ Departments of Dramatic Arts and Music, were trained in Bulgarian folklore dances,” it said.

The embassy described folklore dances as a specific dancing technique that is characteristic of Bulgaria and similar to some Nigerian traditions and customs.

It said the grant, channelled through the embassy, was provided in the context of renewed enhanced bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Nigeria.

“It is aimed at developing cultural ties between the two countries with the most visible prospects in the creative industries development,” it added.

(NAN)