The Wingfield couple of California, USA, proudly became IPADIANS this last week when they stormed Africa, Nigeria in particular, to fulfil their long wish of reconnecting to motherland.
The Nigerian couple are African Americans who are visiting Nigeria for the very first time. So for them, it has been a huge experience, of discovering their roots through a US based organisation known as Tribal Tapestry.
Tribal Tapestry uncovers the lineage of people of African Ancestry using their DNA, creating an opportunity for Africans in the Diaspora to embark on an unparalleled journey, to African roots with the world's most comprehensive ancestry test. A single, simple cheek swab opens the gateway to an African tribe.
Boasting of a cutting-edge test that outshines others by revealing intricate details of ones lineage, offering an unmatched depth of insight specifically tailored for African ancestry, which includes haplogroup information for mtDNA and Y-DNA (for biological males), helping to trace direct maternal and paternal lines. Enabling knowledge of the power of knowing ones origin to shape a better future.
Thus in line with the MoU signed with Motherland Beckons last year at the grand annual IPADA Initiative Celebrations, in Lagos, which opened more doors for African Americans to return to Africa, Tribal Tapestry was able to connect the Wingfield family of USA, to Motherland Beckons - ipada initiative.
The Wingfield couple rocked and rolled in the sweet bliss of the hospitality of Africa and according to Mr Wingfield, "it's been an amazing experience!"
"It seems we left the icing of the cake for the last part of our journey to Africa. We have been here at this resort, La Campagne Tropicana and I must tell you it has been beyond our expectations!"
Wingfield and his dear wife, Stephanie, spoke further about the pleasures they found and enjoyed at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
"There's a lot to say about the environment, because it is simply nature beautiful. We walked around on our own, and we equally had a tour guy show us around afterwards. And there's so much here to see! The lodges are exquisitely beautiful, some with indoor swimming pool, opportunity to live independently while you are on holiday and the structures are homely and very African.
"Trully I feel like I have always been home here in Africa all along all these years!" Said Mr Winthrop as he and his wife enjoyed a game of scrabble outdoor at the resort grounds on their second holiday night."
"I enjoyed the boat ride. The lovely view on water was amazing greenery. Thirty minutes of cruising on water! It's a view which I think is particularly dedicated to Africa. You just have to come here to see it. The boat cruise had a calming and refreshing effect. Its something i would want to do regularly. The staff are friendly and that has really contributed to the fun."
"The bonfire night did it for me!" They both said simultaneously and then laughed happily.
"Oh, I had the opportunity to be happy and a good opportunity also to dance and shake my body," said Mr Wingfield.
"On her part, Mrs Winthrop added that, "I was impressed to see so much of youthful talent on display at the bonfire night, you know young people playing drums, the African beat, the coolness of the Atlantic ocean in the night, the steady breeze, the sound of the ocean water hitting the shores, the dances, bringing to real life, what most often one reads about in story books or watch in movies. I loved it."
Will they be back again? I asked
The reply thundered back to me, in a chorus of excitement!
"Of course, we are already looking forward to that!"
"Coming back will be great," added Mrs Stephanie Wingfield.
IPADA Initiative as founded by Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, a Nigerian Tourism icon, gives an open opportunity that brings people of African descent to come or visit Africa. Aptly called IPADA which means 'the return' to Africa, it is a clarion call made by Motherland Beckons a movement also created by the tourism icon, to call and reach out to Africans in the Diaspora and lovers of Africa to come home and enjoy the beauty in Africa, get to know Africa, and benefit from Africa.
The grand celebration of IPADA the return, it’s usually a 10-Day pot pourri of events which attracts people from different parts of the world, and takes place annually between the last week of November and the first week of December, at the vast 65 acres Atlantic ocean beachfront equally known as La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos, Nigeria.
Events at IPADA 2025 will include, the Grand Opening ceremony, Durbar, horse racing on the beach, Carnival, Ose Awards, African international Music festival, Nefertiti: the Queen of Africa Beauty Pageant, Blossom Retreat, Business Unusual, Tree Planting, Star music performances and much more.
No comments:
Post a Comment