Diaspora group signs cultural MoU with Akran of Badagry

To further promote the cultural heritage of Africa on the continent and the world at large, a U.S.-based group, Atlantic Bond Initiative (ATBONDI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Akran of Badagry, Oba Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.

The MoU was signed recently at an event tagged ‘Promoting Strong Cultural and Tourism Ties between Africa and United State.’ Badagry, Lagos, served as a major slave port for the slave trade during the era of the human trafficking that spanned over 400 years.

While explaining the motive for the MoU, Oba Aholu said it was signed to “exhibit the cultural heritage and tourism” potential, which Badagry was blessed with. Describing the initiative as ‘laudable,’ he pledged his commitment towards supporting cultural advocacy and development in the country.

On the impact the agreement would have on the community, the monarch said it would “bring about increase in foreign exchange earnings and development to the community and also attract influx of blacks from the Diaspora. I will support the initiative in all ramifications in order to create a window for blacks in Diaspora to trace their roots to Africa and most especially, Badagry, Nigeria.‘’

On his part, anti-child trafficking activist and founder of the initiative, Mr. Rotimi Vaughan, said the idea behind the project was to reconnect blacks in the Diaspora to their roots in Africa.

Also, Vaughan announced that plans are underway for a Lagos-Oyotunji Cultural Heritage Fiesta at the Oyotunji African Village in Sheldon, South Carolina, U.S. He said as a “direct descendant of a South Carolina native, Mr. Scipio Vaughan, a former slave, who became a prominent and respected family man in Camden, South Carolina, U.S. until his death in 1840,” he was compelled to carry the initiative out as a way of not letting go of his roots.

“I have always looked forward to the day I would ably be in a position to transform my intriguing family historical account of slavery, freedom and dignity,” he said. “The elevation of the black race into a platform for promoting impactful, socio-cultural bond and understanding between Africa and Americas.”

Adding, “African-Americans in the U.S. are looking forward to reconnect to their roots, which would bring positive changes to boost the present state of economy for future benefits.”