Nigeria will, in October 2025, host more than 300 Black Africans from the diaspora in a two-week programme designed to showcase investment opportunities, alongside cultural tours of Lagos and Calabar in Cross River State.
A statement made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday by the President of the Creative Industry Group, Ambassador Felix Duke noted that this groundbreaking event came about following a letter to the group by the Global United Christians Congress of Africa and the Diaspora, seeking effective collaboration in their 2025 homecoming and reconciliation visit to Nigeria.
He noted that while responding to the letter sent through GUCCAD ‘s Planning Committee, he was deeply touched by the trust placed in CIG, adding that the group is ready to work with them in this significant journey of homecoming.
The statement read, “Over 300 black Africans in diaspora will be in Nigeria come October 2025, to invest in Nigeria in a 14-day epoch-making event that will see them tour Lagos and Calabar, Cross River State.
“We are fully committed to handling all necessary logistics, including transportation, hospitality, security, and full immersion in Nigeria’s vibrant artistic and heritage landscape. Through our vast network across entertainment, media, tourism and government sectors, we will ensure this visit receives maximum visibility, official goodwill and national relevance.
“Therefore, we kindly request that a dedicated day within the itinerary be hosted in Lagos, to allow us to welcome the
delegation on home soil.
“Lagos stands not only as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre but also as the heartbeat of the creative and cultural industries. We will be honoured to host your delegation to a welcome reception and cultural experience that will set a resounding tone for the rest of the journey.”
He also noted that CIG, in line with GUCCAD ‘s request, is ready to facilitate media coverage across national and international platforms. Connect the delegation with stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment and creative industry and other sectors of the economy, and coordinate with relevant government institutions on the conferment of recognition and honorary citizenship for participating returnees.
He, however, noted that it is estimated that about three hundred sons and daughters of Africa in the Diaspora, representing Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St Maarten, Belize, among other Caribbean islands and African Americans will be visiting Lagos and Calabar, on this occasion.
