The International Gathering in Honour of the Africans in Diaspora is set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of the African Union’s initiative to recognize the Diaspora as the 6th Region of Africa.

The event aims to celebrate African heritage, culture, and contributions from over 200 million people of African descent worldwide.

President of the African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU), Chidiebere Ogbu, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Abuja, saying the activities will include discussions on reparations, cultural exhibitions, and networking opportunities among various stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of the Diaspora in Africa’s development and unity.

Ogbu, in a passionate address appeal to Nigerians to stop despising the national passport, urged the Nigerian government to embrace its role as a leader in the African Diaspora movement. “Please do not despise Nigeria’s passport,” he stated. “Many Black people around the world desire it. If our president is magnanimous enough to grant citizenship to these individuals, we will witness a new consciousness and movement regarding Nigeria in America, South America, and the Caribbean.”

Ogbu highlighted the potential impact of such a decision, citing notable figures like American basketball legends who could help amplify this message. He emphasized that granting citizenship waivers would not only honour the historical ties of African descendants but also foster a sense of belonging and identity.

Ogbu further emphasised the significance of the upcoming International Gathering in Honour of the Africans in Diaspora scheduled for October 17-27, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.

“This gathering is not just a celebration; it’s a pivotal moment for all Africans in the Diaspora to reconnect with their roots and reclaim their rights,”he stated.

He highlighted the importance of acknowledging historical injustices faced by African descendants, asserting, “This event is a crucial step toward acknowledging the historical injustices faced by our ancestors. It is about reclaiming our identity and rights as Africans. We must recognise the struggles of our ancestors who were forcibly taken from their homeland. This event aims to address those historical wrongs through reparative justice and citizenship waivers for those who identify as Nigerians.”

Ogbu also underscored the potential economic benefits of the gathering, stating, “The participation of African Diaspora experts and investors will not only enhance Nigeria’s economy but also foster a sense of belonging among those returning.”

Ogbu, President of AFRIDU, emphasised that the gathering aligns with the May 25th, 2012 Declaration from the Global African Diaspora Summit in Johannesburg, which encouraged the Diaspora to organise and participate actively in African Union affairs.

Ogbu elaborated on AFRIDU’s mission: “We aim to form alliances with various African and Black communities to facilitate a return to Africa or investment opportunities while fostering cultural integration.” He noted that this initiative is not merely about tourism or investment but about welcoming those who wish to return as full citizens with rights.

The Archbishop pointed out Nigeria’s historical significance as the epicentre of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

“We need leadership that understands this history,” he said, advocating for citizenship waivers for African descendants claiming Nigerian ancestry.

He expressed hope that this gathering would usher in a mass movement of African Diaspora experts, investors, and professionals back to Nigeria.

“This is an opportunity for Nigeria to lead as the Giant of Africa,” Ogbu said.

“We invite all Africans in the Diaspora to join us in this momentous homecoming.

“The event promises to be a landmark occasion for recognizing the contributions of the African Diaspora and fostering a renewed sense of belonging among all people of African descent.”

He called on all Nigerians to support this initiative, declaring, “It is time for Nigeria to embrace its role as the Giant of Africa and lead in honouring our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora”

AFRIDU’s chairman of Governing Council, Osunbor Osarhuemen, on his part, highlighted the urgent need for Nigerian citizenship for many members of the African Diaspora who have traced their ancestry back to Nigeria. “As it was said, a high percentage of Africans in diaspora have traced their DNA to Nigeria. Some of them would want to enjoy Nigeria’s citizenship, which has been denied their ancestors for centuries. They feel if Nigeria is their home, they ought to enjoy the rights and privileges that their ancestors were denied.

“So we recommend that our government try as much as possible to make this our brethren feel at home and grant those of them who want the citizenship of Nigeria,” he stated.

The former governor of Edo State emphasised the potential benefits of welcoming these individuals back into Nigeria, particularly in terms of investment.

“If we can encourage our Africans in the Diaspora to invest in Nigeria, it could significantly boost our economy,” he noted.