'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, today hosted the African Ancestry Delegation, led by Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry Inc., and Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The meeting underscored the importance of reconnecting people of African descent with their roots and advancing cultural integration.
The delegation, known for its groundbreaking work in tracing African lineages, aims to strengthen ties between the African diaspora and their ancestral heritage. Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded their mission as pivotal to fostering unity and a deeper appreciation of Africa’s rich history.
“Their commitment to connecting people of African descent with their roots is commendable and vital in fostering a deeper understanding of our shared heritage. Our rich and diverse history is crucial to our identity as Nigerians and Africans,” Sanwo-Olu stated during the meeting.
The meeting delved into potential collaborations between Lagos State and African Ancestry Inc., with an emphasis on positioning Lagos as a hub for cultural exchange. Governor Sanwo-Olu shared his administration’s vision for making the state a beacon for the African diaspora, highlighting the unique role Lagos plays as a cultural, historical, and economic epicenter in Africa.
“Lagos stands ready to serve as a home and hub for the African diaspora, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening the bond between our shared histories,” the governor said.
Dr. Gina Paige, a trailblazer in genealogical research for people of African descent, emphasized the significance of fostering identity and belonging through ancestral connections. She expressed optimism about potential collaborations with Lagos State to promote heritage tourism and cultural awareness.
Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Nigeria, particularly Lagos, has a unique role in welcoming the African diaspora. She noted that reconnecting descendants of the transatlantic slave trade to their African roots not only promotes healing but also strengthens global ties to the continent.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging Lagos’s diverse cultural heritage to attract members of the African diaspora. He highlighted the ongoing Eko Tourism Master Plan and other initiatives aimed at transforming Lagos into a global cultural destination.
“Lagos is not just the commercial nerve center of Nigeria but also a cultural melting pot that represents the resilience, diversity, and beauty of Africa,” the governor added.
The visit from the African Ancestry Delegation marked another step towards building stronger relationships between Nigeria and the African diaspora. Both parties agreed on the need for collaborative efforts in promoting cultural awareness, heritage preservation, and economic empowerment.
As Lagos continues to position itself as a hub for cultural renaissance, this partnership underscores the state’s determination to lead the way in reconnecting Africans in the diaspora to their roots, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their shared heritage.
