The people of Abagana community in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State are celebrating the return of one of their sons, whose parent was sold into slavery several years ago, Dr Griffin Lotson, from the United States of America (USA).
The 71-year-old Lotson, who is now a Council Member and Mayor of the State of Georgia, was joyously received alongside other US returnees by the Regent of the community and the Founding Chairman, Igbo World Assembly, the umbrella organisation of Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, at his palace over the weekend.
Speaking to Journalists at the Palace of the Regent on Friday, Lotson appreciated the community for welcoming them back to their ancestral home without any form of rejection or mockery.
He said, “I am delighted to be here with my biological people after over 71 years away. My return will add prosperity to the Abagana community, Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. I feel so special and humbled to be wholeheartedly welcomed by this great Abagana Kingdom.
“I am a businessman, historian, a researcher and a Mayor Pro Tem of Georgia, United States of America, USA. And I honestly believe that my return will bring positive changes to the Abagana community, Anambra State, Igbo Nation, Nigeria and the African continent at large.”
In his remarks on behalf of the community, the Regent of the community, Anakwenze and a former People’s Democratic Party, Presidential aspirant in the 2023 general elections, described Mr Lotson’s return from the USA as a significant relief for the entire community.
“Our joy as Abagana people knows no bounds. This is a great day for us. Since the beginning of this week, it has been jubilation and celebration across the community.
“This is Mayor Lotson from the State of Georgia, an African-American, through DNA, he was able to trace that he is an Igbo man. His mother was from this community, sold into slavery in those days, around 1803, when the white men landed.
“Their parents were some of our people that were taken by force to the United States. Many of the children they gave birth to are now professionals in various fields, contributing to the development of the United States and making it a world power. But they did not feel fulfilled and wanted to know where their ancestors came from
“But today, Mayor and other returnees are here to see where their forefathers came from, and since they came, they have been excited, and a lot of them have indicated interest in coming home. Our people are intelligent and hardworking, and their impact will be felt at home,” Anakwenze added.
He appealed to the people to accord the returnees all necessary assistance to enable them to have total stability.
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