By Our Correspondent
A Caribbean, Freda Paulino Sideroff, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Nneora Abagana (Mother of All) in Anambra State has described her visit to Nigeria as homecoming, saying that her DNA shows that she is a true Igbo person.
Her visit to Nigeria was facilitated by the traditional prime minister of Abagana, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze who is an American- based surgeon and former President of Anambra State Association in USA ( ASA-USA).
Freda, who is a descendant of the survivors from the genocide that was the largest in the Caribbean, was born in the country of Belize, the only English – speaking country in Latin America.
Speaking after the colourful ceremony performed by the traditional ruler of Abagana, Igwe Patrick Mbamalu Okeke, Freda said the culture of the people of Belize, her country, is the same as that of the Igbo.
“In my place, we eat cassava, yam, okro. Don’t I look like you? I will like to come and build a house here because this is my root”, she said.
She said her tribe, Garifuna, is a marriage of cultures of West Africans who intermarried with Amerindians, specifically the Arawak and Carib Indians of the Amazon basin in South America. She added that they are also known in history books as the Black Caribs.
The Royal Father, who spoke through the Secretary of Abagana Royal Cabinet, Clems Ofoedu said: “Historically, culturally, and traditionally, Abagana has by this chieftaincy title, cemented cordial relationship with Nneora Queen Mother Freda Paulino Sideroff.
“The Abagana Royal Council is grateful to Onowu Abagana, Chief Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, the Traditional Prime Minister, for his dogged efforts in championing the course of Igbo nation globally.
“Nneora is now a bona fide citizen of Abagana. Abagana will continue to tap from your wealth of experience in cultures and traditions of Igbos scattered around the globe. More cooperation will be explored between Abagana and Garifuna in future.It is important to note that Freda’s Paulin ancestors did not experience slavery due to their resistance. Freda’s ancestors about 5000 people were banished/exiled to the desolate Island of Baliceaux abandoned and were left to die.
Approximately 2500 resilient ancestors survived and were once again exiled, this perilous journey being abandoned on the coast of Roatan in Honduras.
“The mother of Freda’s grandfather, Henrietta Enriquez is Igbo, the father of her mother Rosenda Castillo is Felipa Castillo, while the mother of Freda’s mother Rosenda is Tikar. Freda’s father, Guadalupe Paulino is Akan.
“Historically, culturally, and traditionally Abagana has cemented cordial relationship with Nneora Queen Mother Freda Paulino Sideroff. The Abagana Royal Council is grateful to Onowu Abagana, Chief Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, the Traditional Prime Minister, for his dogged efforts in championing the course of Igbo nation globally.
“Nneora is now a bona fide citizen of Abagana. Abagana will continue to tap from your wealth of experience in cultures and traditions of Igbos scattered around the globe. More cooperation will be explored between Abagana and Garifuna in future.
