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From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Mayor Pro Tem of Darien, Georgia, United States of America, Dr. Griffin Lotson, has traced his roots to Abagana community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Lotson, 71, upon return to the community was received by Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Regent of the community and the Founding Chairman, Igbo World Assembly, the umbrella organisation of Ndigbo in the Diaspora at his palace.
It was gathered that Lotson’s parents were sold into slavery during the slave trade period many years ago. He was, however, warmly and joyously received by his Abagana kinsmen when he returned.
Speaking at the Regent’s palace, the 71-year-old, who is now a council member, appreciated the community for welcoming him back to his ancestral home without any form of rejection.
“I am delighted to be here with my biological people after over 71 years away,” he said.
“My return will add prosperity to Abagana community, Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. I feel so special and humbled to be wholeheartedly welcomed by this great Abagana Kingdom.
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“I am a businessman, historian, researcher and a Mayor Pro Tem of Darien, Georgia, United States of America (USA). I honestly believe that my return will bring positive changes to Abagana community, Anambra State, Igbo nation, Nigeria and the African continent at large.”
The Regent of the community, Anakwenze, in his remarks on behalf of the community, described Mr. Lotson’s return from the USA as a welcome development and a significant relief for the entire community.
Anakwenze, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant in the 2023 general elections, said his people were very happy about the return of all their people in the US.
“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 them world powers. But they did not feel fulfilled and wanted to know where their ancestors came from.
“But today, the 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 to come home. Our people are intelligent and hardworking and their impact will be felt at home,” he said.
