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.
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.
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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