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What No One Will Tell You About The BIG Event
Badagry came alive from Thursday 19th October, 2023 to the 21st October, 2023 as The Diaspora Festival Badagry was held. It featured Boat Regatta, Parades and Culture Performances.
It was the African Door of Return Experience (ADORE) and the DIASPORA Festival Badagry that teamed up to present this 4th Door Of Return Ceremony. The event was powered by NIDCOM.
Day 1 (Thursday 19th October, 2023) was the arrival day and participants checked into their Hotels. It was also the day for Traditional Cleansing rites and ceremonies for successful hosting of the festival events.
On Day 2 (Fri. 20th October, 2023), there was a visit to historical sites/monuments/sourvenirshops at the Lagos State Recreational Park, Dale, Badagry. There was also Royal Cultural Welcome Procession across Badagry.
This was followed by Traditional naming ceremony at the Palace of Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu-Menu-Toyi 1.
In the evening of that day, there was a Stage Drama performance at Lagos Theatre Badagry titled Ile Ti Ya (Home Coming) directed by Prof. Sola Fosudo and assisted by Segun Adefila.
On Day 3 (Saturday 21st October, 2023) was the main event. It was a whole day affair.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu attended with his Principal Officers like the Tourism, Arts, Culture Commissioner, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka. He delivered the keynote address.
Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Initiator/Chairman Planning Committee, of Door of Return, Badagry 2023 also gave her Welcome address.
Some of the participants like Dr. David Anderson and Dr. Julius Garvey shared their experience.
Dr. Babatunde Mesewakun, the Vice Chairman and Coordinator, Diaspora Door of Return gave the Vote of thanks.
This is not the first Diaspora Festival Badagry. There was one in 2017.
The 1st Diaspora/Door of Return ceremony went well in Badagry. The 2nd one was in 2018 and in 2019 another Door Of Return took place.
Lets tell you more about The Diaspora Festival which has been described as a ‘nostalgic event’ which celebrates the identity, culture, history, heritage and tradition of a given people in a given destination usually in the primordial homeland at a given period.
In other words, diaspora festival aggregates both the tangible and intangible cultural resources as expressed in the history, artifacts, monuments, places of memory, religion, topographical attraction and environmental ambiance of the homeland as an instigator for homeland nostalgia or pull factors for the diaspora temporal or permanent return.
In the Contemporary African milieu, Culture provides the strongest link between Africa and its Diaspora. Thousands of African-Americans and the Africans in the Caribbean annually visit the continent to gain a sense of their roots. This has become possible through the work of political and cultural brokers which gives the homeland ultimate salience within diasporic consciousness, this in most cases has ensued in temporal and permanent homeland return in some African States like Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, and the Republic of Benin etc
PARTICIPANTS FOR DOOR OF RETURN
Dr. Julius Garvey. He is the Founder of Marcus Garvey Institute, Vascular Surgeon & Professor Of Medicine.
Dr. Julius Garvey is the son of Pan-African Legend Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who inspired game changers for more than a century, is a vascular surgeon and professor, walking in the footsteps of his father. Born in 1933 in Kingston, Jamaica, he graduated from Wolmer’s Trust High School in 1950; got a B.S. degree from McGill University in Montréal, Canada, in 1957; and his M.D., C.M. degree from McGill in 1961. He has built a clinic in Senegal, and was named Goodwill Ambassador by President Abdoulaye Wade. He went on medical missions to Jamaica, Haiti, Malawi, and built a school in Jamaica in his father’s honour. Dr. Garvey lectures on African history, economics and potential. He spoke at the Global African Diaspora Summit in South Africa in June 2012, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Afroglobal Television Channel in Canada. He co-founded the Marcus Garvey Institute with Moses A. Mawa and Michael Dawson, to advance entrepreneurship, education, media, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, health, aviation and more. It seeks support for the Garvey Endowment, to finance its initiatives. Dr. Garvey and his wife, Constance Garvey have three children named Nzinga, Makeda and Paul.
- DAVID ANDERSON
Chief Mautin of Badagry – Senior Pastor – CEO
Dr. David Anderson, founder and President of Gracism Global, is one of the world’s leading authorities on bridging the deep divides of race, faith, culture, and wealth. Known as the bridgebuilding voice in the Nation’s Capital, Anderson hosts the daily radio talk show “Real Talk with Dr. David Anderson” on WAVA (105.1 FM) – the most listened-to Christian talk station on the East Coast of America. As the founder and senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, Dr. Anderson reaches a multicultural congregation of over 10,000 weekly attendees from more than 60 nations, viewed online in over 100 countries, with locations in Columbia and Owings Mills, Maryland. He was conferred with the Chieftaincy title as Mautin of Badagry in recognition of his struggle for freedom and egalitarian society all over the world. Chief Mautin represents Badagry kingdom to project the community as a global home for African Diaspora as well as to seek the good of the community and its people, and encouraging this through his planned projects for Badagry at Gberefu Island
QUEEN MOTHER DELOIS BLAKELY
She is the Community Mayor of Harlem NYC and also the African Peace Ambassador at the UN. She has been a humanitarian with the UN for 64 years. Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely carries the legacy of Queen Mother Audley Moore as the Queen Mother of All African Descendants representing the 55 million displaced Africans of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and calls for reparations; Queen Mother is recognized as the Queen Mother at the naming ceremony of the African Burial Ground monument by the National Park Service and The United States Interior Department in 2003, as well as attended the unveiling ceremony of the United Nations Permanent Monument “The Ark of Return” on March 25, 2015.
MONIQUE RENEE ROUMO
Executive Director
Of Operations
Ms. Monique Renee Roumo is the Executive Director of Operations at Baltimore City Public Schools and is unwavering in her commitment to enhancing educational environments for over 75,000 students and dedicated staff.
With a Bachelors in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Industrial Engineering, her global perspective is enriched by experiences ranging from an internship with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in Germany to pivotal work on Cape Town’s transporation system in South Africa. Deeply rooted in her faith since age six, Monique integrates her spiritual values with her professional endeavors.
BRIAN STEPHENSON
Civil And Structural Engineer
Brian Stephenson is a registered Civil/Structural Engineer (USA) and the President of Passion of Hope International, a Non-Governmental Organisation sustainably empowering rural communities in Africa (Kenya and Nigeria). He is also CEO of DHA East Africa, a planning and development consultancy based in Nairobi, Kenya. His expertise includes Civil Engineering, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Development Economics, History, and Regenerative Agriculture. He is a founding member of the International Network on Appropriate Technology.
JONATHAN ANYIGBA ADEJOH
Senior Executive Project Manager And Personal Assistant To Dr. David Anderson
Jonathan Adejoh is the Senior Executive Project Manager for Anderson Speaks. Jonathan has previously worked as a Regional Operations Manager for Strayer University and a Financial Consultant for PNC Bank. Jonathan received his Bachelors degree from Towson University and Masters degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
REBECCA CARSKY-STEPHENSON
Dr. Rebecca Carsky-Stephenson, Head Teacher, The English International School (Cotonou, Benin).
Rebecca is an Educator, as was her mother and now her daughter. Since 2006, she has held the position of Head Teacher for a Cambridge International School in Cotonou, Benin, where she boasts, “I know every child”. The children (K-13) are her life work. The school emphazizes the principle of reciprocity, where students’ behaviour is guided by mutual respect and responsible citizenship; they act ‘with’ and not ‘for’ others. The results have been nothing short of excellence.
She has lived for over 30 years in West Africa and understands intimately their hopes and challenges. With a Ph.D. in Romance Languages, Literature, and Anthropology from Cornell University, Rebecca has fluency in four languages (English, French, Yoruba, and Portugese).
EMERY NELSON
CORRECTIONS OFFICER
Emery Nelson is a seasoned federal law enforcement officer with an impressive 25-year tenure within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), upholding the principles of justice and maintaining the security of the nation’s correctional facilities.
Outside of his demanding careerm Emery has been a devoted husband for almost three decades, and a loving father to two remarkable children.
JANISE MYRNA FONSECA
Director of Public Relations for Dr. David Anderson and Producer of RealTalk with Dr. Daavid Anderson, a daily call-in talk show on WAVA (105.1 FM) in Washington, DC.
Janise coordinates events and projects for many of Dr. Anderson’s initiatives and organisations. She has traveled to 17 countries to assist Dr. Anderson in building bridges across the deep divides of color, class, and culture.
TIMOTHY B. SAMUEL
Chief Financial Officer
Tim is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a deep commitment to using his financial expertise to create opportunities and transform lives. Tim has celebrated the diversity of colors, classes, and cultures throughout his professional journey, using accounting as a universal language to propel people toward their dreams. Currently, he serves as the Chief Financial Officer for a non-profit organisation that has become an international model for multicultural ministry, attracting thousands of people weekly from over 50 nations.
Tim Samuel’s career is characterised by a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a passion for using accounting to empower individuals and communities.
MOSES A. MAWA,
Moses A. Mawa is the President and CEO of Silvertrust Media, Afroglobal Television and the Transformation Institute, which undertakes the Crossover Mentorship Program and others. He also established Destiny Harvest, the Black Media Association, and co-founded the Marcus Garvey Institute with Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Marcus Mosiah Garvey, and their associate Michael Dawson. He has produced Synergy, Standing Ovation, Minister, Omobella drama series, and others. His Excellence Awards honoured Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s daughter Bernice King; Bob Marley’s wife Rita Marley; Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka; South African music superstar Ynonne Chaka Chaka, and others. Mawa has published magazines such as Diversity, Destiny, Legacy, Envision, Excellence and the Discover Series. He Co- authored the 150 Extraordinary Canadians legacy book, with foreword by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In 1996, his company Silvertrust Media launched Afroglobal Television, a 24-hour channel showing the best of Africa and the Diaspora. He received the York Regional Police Civic Leadership Award; Reelworld Visionary Award; Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and was featured on CNN worldwide in 2013. He holds a B.A. degree in Film Studies from Carleton University, and studied Leadership at Trinity Western University. He hails from Uganda and his wife Patricia is from Cross River State, Nigeria.
HRM DR. ALEXANDER OLUSEGUN MACGREGOR,
KING (OLU OF ORILE-ILAWO), ABEOKUTA
Dr. Alexander MacGregor is the Founder & President of Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, North America’s premier post-graduate institute of pharmaceutical sciences, technology and research. A professor of bio-pharmaceutics, he has served as CEO of KLC College of Healthcare, Business & Education, and as Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Orx Pharmaeutical Corporation, deploying advanced drug delivery technologies and oral therapeutics. Dr. MacGregor is an inventor who holds many global patents in medical treatments and drug delivery technologies, notably in Canada, USA, Australia, Europe, China, India, Japan and Latin America. He has led or sat on the boards of many professional associations. Dr. MacGregor’s inventions have led to therapeutic drugs for cancer, diabetes, infections, and post-operative pain. A noted expert in translating pharmaceutical knowledge into sustainable business, and he has consulted for multinationals like GSK, Valeant, Teva, Patheon, SunPharma and Beijing Double-Crane. He was appointment by China as an Advisor in pharmaceutical technology and research, nominated by the City of Beijing and Beijing Double-Crane, China’s third largest pharma company. Dr. MacGregor holds a BSc (Honours) degree in Medical Biochemistry, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Pharmacology from the University of Wales and the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London, UK.
H.E. AMB. DR.
ERIEKA BENNETT
- E. Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett is the Convening Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), the first and only diplomatic mission in the world dealing specifically with Diaspora issues. H. E. Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett is a dynamic and positive, motivational speaker, author, and seasoned diplomat who has traveled and lived in Africa for over 45 years, bridging the gap between the Diasporas and Africa. Dr. Bennett’s devotion to her work as a bridge between the Diaspora and Africa, and her work in promoting Diaspora Affairs, has also earned her quite a number of awards all around the world. The most recent award received by the Ambassador is “The US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the International Distinguished Leadership Award 2022” which was bestowed upon the Ambassador by President Joseph Biden at the National Press Club, Washington DC on September 29, 2022, for her outstanding contributions and works in the United States as well as Africa.
MR HALEVI NATHANYAH
YEHUDAH RABBI
He is the Executive Director of Panefest and Chair of the Diaspora Coalition here in Ghana, the Head of Mission, Bereshith Hashuvah Mission is both a Rabbi and a Priest in the Levitical Priesthood. Prior to this, he was a visual artist, art
VICTOR LUTENCO
Victor Lutenco is currently the Senior Programme Coordinator (Migration Management) and Head of Sub-Office with International Organization for Migration (IOM) – the UN Migration Agency in Lagos, Nigeria. Mr. Lutenco has 16 years of experience in design, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programs with a special focus on migration. He has worked with Government entities, international organizations and NGOs in Moldova, his home country, as well as in the U.S., Russian Federation, Italy, Armenia, Belarus, in Central Asia and in Mongolia. Mr. Lutenco started his career by developing and implementing programs to prevent human trafficking with civil society and IOM in Moldova. He then took over management of population and development portfolio of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office in Moldova
KAREN MARKS
Karen Marks is a filmmaker originally from Jamaica, based in New York City. She recently completed a year-long ITVS/NEH Humanities Documentary Development Fellowship for her documentary feature film in progress “On the Parkway” about the first Carnival in Brooklyn, New York following the Covid-19 pandemic. Her work has been broadcast and showcased internationally including at IDFA, BFI London Film Festival, Al Jazeera International Documentary Festival, FESPACO, Pan African Film Festival, Boston University Art Gallery, Brooklyn Museum and Norton Museum of Art.
MRS KENNY OKOROAFOR
Founder, Make Mee Elegant Foundation Ceo: Nextlevelhair Manufacturer Convener: Impact women Co-convener:Ojaja Women. She is a strong Member of African Women In Leadership (AWLO), Global Women Africa Network Usa, Sheroes Global Republic Ireland. She has tremendously participated in various campaigns with these organizations. While she has tirelessly contributed her quotas towards the success of each proposed interventions.
DR JOPHIA
NANKER GUPAR
Representing the Queen Mother’s Foundation in Africa called The New Future Foundation (NFF), she says: I am an International Consultant on Women and Youth Development and Empowerment. Am also the Founder/President of Pan African Young Women Development Initiative-PAYWODI and we are in 17 countries in Africa and the United States of America, USA.
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