Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has pledged to continue to promote cultural exchange, tourism, and economic development between Nigeria and the African diaspora.
Sanwo-Olu made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the African Ancestry Delegation led by Dr Gina Paige to the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday.
The governor encouraged Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and heritage, assuring that his administration would support making the process a seamless and transformative one.
“There is no place like home.
“We are using Lagos as a platform and bedrock to tell the Nigerian story and carve an identity for ourselves,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu assured the delegation that his administration would explore ways to collaborate and support their mission.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa appreciated the state government for its support, explaining that the African descendants had expressed a desire to return to their roots.
Dabiri-Erewa said they are descendants who would like to live in their motherland and not just as tourists.
Similarly, Paige said the visit was to establish a collaborative relationship with the Lagos State Government to facilitate the rediscovery of African roots and heritage.
Paige, who is the co-founder of AfricanAncestry.com, explained that the goal was to help black people transform the way they view themselves and their perspective of Africa.
“During slavery, we lost our names and ancestry. We want to help black people reclaim their heritage and identity.
“The delegation’s goal is to facilitate a birthright journey for people of African descent, enabling them to connect with their ancestral homeland.
“To achieve this, we request the Lagos State Government’s assistance in obtaining Nigerian passports to ease travel between Nigeria and the diaspora.
“We ask you very humbly to help us facilitate that, not just for ourselves but for others who come behind us.
“This is the inaugural African Ancestry Family Reunion, a specially curated birthright journey.
“It is our birthright to be here, and it is our birthright to be able to come back here whenever we want,” she said.
According to her, the delegation’s mission is to promote a positive experience and change the narrative of Nigeria in the United States.
Paige disclosed that the delegation would visit various cities in Nigeria, including Osogbo, Ibadan, and Abuja. (NAN)
