By Aderemi Kehinde
Africans in the Diaspora have been urged to come back home and explore the various cultures that have made the continent unique in the world.
The call was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa during a press conference held in Lagos, to sensitize the public on preparation for the 2017 Badagry Diaspora Festival.
The festival being organized by the African Renaissance Foundation (AFR) has as its theme: “Focusing on Diaspora Door of Return Ceremony.” It is aimed at reconnecting all African-Americans in the Diaspora to their roots and identify with their culture and history.
Dabiri-Erewa said the festival will enable Africans in the Diaspora to reunite with their culture.
Dabiri-Erewa said the festival would avail the organizers, the opportunity to discuss issues relating to African culture and how it can be revived.
“We are also organizing an international symposium, which will expose the unique cultures of Africans to the world,” she said.
On the success of the festival, she said: We are partnering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are doing everything that is possible to make it a huge success.”
The President of ARF, Babatunde Mesewaku, said this is the first time that all Africans would converge on the ancient town of Badagry to celebrate African culture.
He said the festival would provide platform for cultural integration, adding that the event is holding in Badagry because of its ancient historic relevance. “We are also partnering with various organizations like the Institute of African Studies University of Ibadan, the Atlantic Bon Initiatives, and others reputable outfits to ensure a successful festival,” he added.