African Diasporans who have traced their ancestry to Nigeria are calling for citizenship, as they prepare for the International Gathering of Africans in the Diaspora set for October 18 to 27, 2024, in Abuja and other Nigerian cities.
Archbishop Prof. Chidiebere Ogbu, President of the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU), made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja on Monday. The event, organized by AFRIDU in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, aims to reconnect African descendants from around the world with their ancestral homeland.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to address the issue during the gathering, which will draw together African descendants from various global regions.
Ogbu explained that their request stems from the fact that many African countries have already established legal pathways for descendants of enslaved Africans, who can trace their lineage through DNA, to obtain citizenship. He emphasized that Nigeria should adopt similar measures to encourage investment and further integrate the African Diaspora with their homeland.
“These individuals are ready to invest trillions of dollars in Nigeria’s economy,” Ogbu said, noting that the potential for Foreign Direct Investment would be significantly enhanced by granting citizenship to those with Nigerian ancestry.
For many participants, the event represents more than a visit—it is a chance to reconnect with their roots and historical identity. Nigeria, a central point in the transatlantic slave trade, holds particular significance for those whose ancestors were forcibly taken from its shores over 500 years ago.
Ogbu added, “The gathering will provide a unique opportunity for Black people across the globe to visit Africa, especially Nigeria, with many hoping to connect with their ancestral states. This will usher in a massive influx of Diaspora experts, investors, professionals, scientists, entertainers, and others with valuable skills, contributing to the integration of the African Diaspora.”
He further emphasized that these efforts will play a key role in the broader vision of fostering stronger ties between Africa and its descendants worldwide.
