Professor Wole Soyinka has hailed the Badagry Door of Return Ceremony as a groundbreaking step towards reuniting the African Diaspora with their ancestral homeland. Speaking at the fifth edition of the festival, Soyinka called the event a “historic beginning” of a larger global movement, one that would not only connect the Diaspora but also reshape the narrative of Africa’s painful history of slavery.
The event, which took place in Badagry, Lagos, brought together a diverse group of participants from countries such as Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Cuba, Haiti, and Benin Republic. Soyinka, who was the special guest of honor, noted that this year’s ceremony was a precursor to the much-anticipated Heritage Voyage of Return, set to begin in Brazil next year and culminate in Badagry, Lagos.
“Today marks the beginning of a stupendous event,” Soyinka declared. “This is not just a local gathering; it’s a global movement that will unite millions of people. The desire of the African Diaspora to return home is stronger than ever, and this event signifies a turning point a journey from sorrow to joy.”
The festival, which symbolically welcomed members of the African Diaspora through the Door of Return, contrasts with the tragic history of the Point of No Return the point from which millions of Africans were taken as slaves. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), expressed her gratitude to Soyinka for attending and also thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his ongoing support, including the development of a permanent Door of Return monument in Badagry. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the festival represents not only a spiritual and emotional connection to Africa but also an economic bridge, highlighting the potential for tourism and cultural exchange.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, affirmed that the state would continue to prioritize the promotion of tourism, culture, and heritage. He assured attendees that the permanent Door of Return monument would be completed and inaugurated at the next festival, solidifying Lagos as a key destination for global African heritage tourism.
Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero of Cuba also spoke at the event, reinforcing the importance of remembering and preserving the history of slavery. She quoted historian Fernando Ortiz, who famously stated, “Cuba without the blacks will not be Cuba,” underscoring the invaluable contributions of the African Diaspora to Cuban culture.
Mr. Bonu Solomon, Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, hailed the festival’s symbolic value as a “heritage bridge” that connects Africa with its children abroad. He assured the people of Badagry that they would continue to receive legislative backing for initiatives that promote the region’s historical identity and cultural legacy.
Prominent figures including Jeffrey Daniels of the legendary band Shalamar and Dr. David Anderson, author of Gracism, also shared their personal experiences, reflecting on the powerful emotional impact of returning to Africa and the deep sense of pride it instills.
The Badagry Door of Return Festival has become a defining event in the ongoing effort to reconnect the African Diaspora to their roots, offering a transformative journey from the past’s painful legacy to a future of healing, unity, and shared identity.
