Eleven Americans have found out they are of Nigerian roots after ancestry DNA testing at the Consulate of Nigeria in New York, United States.
The Nigerian-linked Americans are Maleeka Harris, Shatara Corbett, Abel Watson, Darryl Rattray, Antonia Coleman-Brown, Nicole Williams, Pablo Blanco, Estena Turner, William Conley, Keith Howard, and Gina Paige.
They were discovered to have Nigerian lineages of Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Yoruba-Fulani, Hausa-Fulani and Fulani-Kanuri through ancestry DNA testing.
Tiamiyu Arobani, who signed the release from the information desk of the Consulate, said others were discovered to have their roots linked with eight African countries, including Cameroon, The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, and Niger Republic.
The Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb Abubakar Jidda, said the discovery of Nigerian ancestry not only bridged cultural gaps but also celebrated the enduring bonds between Nigeria and the global African community.
“As you may be aware, Nigeria, with its rich tapestry of cultures and history, stands as a leader within the African continent. And we have continued to celebrate this shared heritage,” Jidda said.
“So, Nigeria welcomes you. The Consulate offers various educational and cultural opportunities aimed at promoting cultural exchanges.
“We encourage you also to explore these opportunities and deepen your knowledge and understanding of Nigeria and African cultures.
“We invite you to stay connected with us for future events and activities that celebrate our shared values. Let this be the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery.”
Unveiling the ancestry DNA test results, Co-founder and President of AfricanAncestry.com, Dr Gina Paige, said hosting the ‘Ancestry Reveal’ event at the Nigerian Consulate had deepened the experience for all participants, especially those whose roots traced to Nigeria.
