Badagry Door of Return Festival welcomes descendants from six nations, celebrating Africa’s unity, identity, and emotional reconnection
Badagry Door of Return Festival has once again captured the world’s attention as fifty-seven participants from Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Cuba, Haiti, and the Benin Republic were ceremoniously received as Kings and Queens, symbolically reversing the painful transatlantic slave journeys of their ancestors.
The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced the symbolic return during the 5th edition of the Badagry Door of Return Festival 2025, held in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for constructing a permanent Door of Return monument, describing it as a lasting tourism legacy for Lagos and a landmark for diaspora reconnection. She also paid glowing tribute to Prof. Wole Soyinka, calling him “a legend and inspiration to all.”
According to her, the festival serves as “a historic, emotional, spiritual, and economic reconnection to Africa.”
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, described the ceremony as “a historic beginning of a stupendous event” that powerfully reconnects Africa with its diaspora.
commended Dabiri-Erewa, the three Badagry local government chairmen, and Mr Solomon Bonu of the Lagos State House of Assembly for curating a culturally profound event.
Soyinka revealed that the celebration marked the start of the Heritage Voyage of Return, which will begin in Brazil next year and conclude in Badagry, symbolising unity between Africa and her diaspora.
He expressed optimism that the sorrow once tied to the Point of No Return would now be replaced by joy, pride, and reconnection for Africans returning home.
Representing Governor Sanwo-Olu, special advisers Mr Idris Aregbe and colleagues reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to making the state a prime cultural tourism hub.
They assured that the festival’s permanent site would be completed and inaugurated during the next edition.
Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, applauded the festival as an opportunity to preserve shared history, quoting Cuban historian Fernando Ortiz:
“Cuba without the blacks will not be Cuba.” She celebrated the immense contributions of Africans to Cuban culture and identity.
Mr Solomon Bonu, Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, described the event as “a heritage bridge between Africa and her children abroad,” promising legislative support for projects that sustain culture and tourism.
Babatunde Hunpe, Chairman of Badagry Local Government, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, thanked Dabiri-Erewa and Governor Sanwo-Olu for elevating Badagry’s global recognition.
International participants, including Jeffrey Daniels of the iconic band Shalamar, Dr David Anderson (author of Gracism), and Celso França, the Consul-General of Brazil to Nigeria, described the festival as a deeply emotional and joyous reunion with their ancestral homeland.
The Badagry Door of Return Festival continues to shine as a powerful symbol of hope, healing, and reconnection, transforming centuries of historical pain into a celebration of identity, resilience, and belonging.
Business3 years ago
