- Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State urged European countries to compensate African nations for the historical injustices of Trans-Atlantic slavery
- He commended the resilience of the African diaspora and pledged to build a Diaspora Palace in Badagry to reconnect with their roots
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has emphasized that African nations deserve compensation from European countries for the centuries of Trans-Atlantic slavery, during which countless Africans were subjected to enslavement and trafficking.
Speaking at the Diaspora Festival held in Badagry, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the resilience of the black race in the face of such historical adversity. He conveyed his remarks during the festival’s grand finale, where he was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Sanwo-Olu welcomed the diaspora community, led by Dr. Julius Garvey, the son of the renowned Marcus Garvey. During the festival, Dr. Julius Garvey was given a new name, “Ajigo” of Badagry Kingdom, which means “the Child returns home.”
The governor acknowledged the enduring strength and achievements of the black community, despite the traumatic history of Trans-Atlantic slave exploitation. He referred to the return of African descendants as a new dawn, filled with hope and freedom, emphasizing the significant contribution of the black community to various fields such as technology, creative arts, music, and entertainment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also pledged to facilitate the construction of a Diaspora Palace in Badagry, providing a place where individuals of African descent can reconnect with their roots and bring their wealth of experience to bear on their return home.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, outlined the purpose of the Diaspora Festival, which is to celebrate the identity, culture, history, heritage, and traditions of the diaspora community. She mentioned that many returnees were coming to Nigeria for the first time and expressed their interest in investing in the country, including the construction of a Diaspora Palace in Badagry.
The festival attendees visited historical sites and monuments related to the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade, including the British Canon Seat, the Lagos State Heritage Museum, the Mobee Family Museum Relics, the Seriki Williams Abbas Slave Museum, the Brazilian Barracoon of 1840, and the Point of No Return in Gerefu-Badagry. The event concluded with a heartfelt re-enactment showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage, resilience, and reconnection of the historic African Diaspora with their homeland.
The festival served as a poignant reminder of the need to acknowledge and address the historical injustices related to the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and to commemorate the strength and resilience of the black community.
Discussion about this post