50 African-Americans Arrive in Benin-city on Rediscovery Mission ...to get Benin names

In a seeming resurgence of the tourism sector in Edo State on the back of ease of doing business reforms of the state Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, as well as the urge to trace ones root, 50 African-American tourists have arrived in Benin-city, the state capital, to trace their origin.

The tourists, who arrived in Benin-city from California, United States of America, were entertained by the Benin Cultural Troupe and treated to delicious local African dishes, including palm oil fruits soup (banga); blended vegetable (black) soup, owo soup, pounded yam and corncake (agidi) among others.

 

Speaking to journalists on the reason for the visit, Mr. Andy Ehanire, a representative of Jemi Alade, organisers of the tour, said the Americans were on a rediscovery visit to trace their root.

He added: "They are coming on a pilgrimage to rediscover the home of their ancestors from where they were taken away more than 400 years ago. It is an emotional visit."

Ehanire said the tour was organised in part to showcase that these people share a common ancestral heritage with the Benin people, so that more African-Americans would be encouraged to visit the ancient city of Benin and have a feel of the African culture and discover where their ancestors lived.

According to him, "Benin is safe. We are civilized and friendly. The tourists will be taken round the city. They will visit the Oba Palace and the Palace of the Enogie of Ugoneki, where they will be given Benin names to add to their existing names."

 

Ehanire said tourism has the potential to grow the economy of the state, noting that some countries have grown their economy with  tourist receipts as they  receive almost a million tourists on a monthly basis.

"For a place to attract tourist attention, its culture must be unadulterated, there must be security and knowledgeable tour guards," he noted.