Culture

US Mayor Traces Igbo Roots to Anambra after 71 Years Abroad

Published

11 months ago

November 5, 2025

Abagana community celebrates the emotional homecoming of US Mayor Griffin Lotson, who traced his ancestry to Anambra State after centuries of separation

The people of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, have celebrated the emotional return of one of their descendants, Dr. Griffin Lotson, a 71-year-old Council Member and Mayor from Georgia, USA, whose ancestor was sold into slavery over two centuries ago.

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Lotson was warmly received alongside other African-American returnees by the Regent of Abagana and Founding Chairman of the Igbo World Assembly, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, during a colourful homecoming ceremony held at the Regent’s palace over the weekend.

Speaking to journalists, Lotson expressed deep gratitude to the people of Abagana for welcoming him with open arms, describing the visit as a spiritual and emotional reconnection with his roots.

“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 honoured to be welcomed wholeheartedly by this great kingdom.”

The Georgia Mayor, who is also a businessman, historian, and researcher, said he hopes to contribute meaningfully to the development of his ancestral homeland.

“I honestly believe that my return will bring positive change to Abagana, Anambra, the Igbo nation, Nigeria, and Africa at large,” he added.

In his remarks, Dr. Anakwenze, who once contested for Nigeria’s presidency under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), described Lotson’s return as a historic and emotional milestone for the community.

“Our joy as Abagana people knows no bounds. This is a great day for us,” Anakwenze said. “Through DNA tracing, Mayor Lotson confirmed his Igbo ancestry. His mother was from this community and was taken during the slave trade era around 1803.”

He explained that the reunion represents a healing bridge between Africa and its diaspora, symbolising the resilience and continuity of Igbo heritage across generations.

“Many of their descendants are now professionals contributing to the growth of the United States, but they yearn to know their ancestral roots. Now, they have returned home,” Anakwenze said.

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He called on the people of Abagana to support and integrate the returnees into the community, assuring them of a warm, stable, and lasting reconnection.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”