President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for the ‘Heritage Voyage of Return’ initiative.
The initiative aims to reconnect Afro-descendants with their African roots.
In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Tinubu emphasized that the program would not only raise historical awareness but also create economic benefits.
Tinubu said, “Reconnecting Afro-Brazilians with their African roots will be an iconic project that will rekindle our past and light up the spirit of our ancestors.”
He added, “It will re-awaken memories of what happened many years ago. And it is a good thing that this is coming now at a time when we are working on expanding the frontiers of freedom and democracy in Africa.”
During a meeting at the State House, Wale Adeniran, who led the delegation, likened the project to the Lagos Black Heritage Festival.
Adeniran mentioned that the initiative will commence in Brazil and traverse other African countries before culminating in Nigeria.
He also noted that the initiators of the ‘Heritage Voyage of Return’ sought the support of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and the president.
Carolina Maira Morais, another member of the delegation, highlighted that with approximately 126 million Afro-descendants in Brazil, the project aims to integrate the two countries.
She also revealed that President Lula da Silva of Brazil plans to visit Nigeria, facilitating stronger connections between the nations.
