Anambra Community Celebrates Return of Slave Descendant from the United States

The people of Abagana community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State are celebrating the return of one of their sons, Dr Griffin Lotson, whose parent was sold into slavery many years ago. Lotson, who is 71 years old, returned from the United States of America to reconnect with his ancestral home.

Dr Lotson, who currently serves as a Council Member and Mayor in the State of Georgia, was warmly received along with other returnees by the Regent of Abagana and Founding Chairman of the Igbo World Assembly, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, at his palace over the weekend.

Speaking to South-East Punch at the palace, Lotson expressed gratitude to the people of Abagana for welcoming him and the other returnees without any form of rejection or discrimination.

He said, “I am delighted to be here with my biological people after being away for over 71 years. 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.

“I am a businessman, historian, researcher and Mayor Pro Tem in Georgia, United States of America. I believe that my return will bring positive changes to Abagana community, Anambra State, the Igbo Nation, Nigeria and the African continent at large.”

In his remarks, Dr Anakwenze, who spoke on behalf of the community, described Lotson’s homecoming as a significant and emotional moment for the people of Abagana.

“Our joy as Abagana people knows no bounds. This is a great day for us. Since the beginning of the week, it has been jubilation and celebration across the community,” he said.

He explained that Lotson, through DNA testing, discovered his Igbo heritage and traced his roots back to Abagana, where his mother was taken from during the transatlantic slave trade around 1803.

“Their parents were among those taken by force to the United States. Many of their descendants are now professionals contributing greatly to the development of the United States. However, they wanted to know their ancestral roots,” Anakwenze added.

He noted that since the returnees arrived, they have shown excitement and interest in reconnecting with their homeland. He urged the people of Abagana to give them all necessary support to help them settle and integrate fully into the community.