US Consulate Lauds Atbondi’s  ‘Breakfree’ Project 

By Omolabake Fasogbon

The United States consulate has commended the effort  of  a Nigerian based non-government organisation, Atlantic Bond Initiative, ATBONDI, to boost the cultural links between South West Nigeria and Oyotunji African Village, Sheldon city, South Carolina in the  United States of America.

The political officer in the  political section of the US Consulate in Lagos, Mrs. Luckett Meghan, who commended the organisation on its ‘breakfree/JCV’ project ,intended against anti-modern day slavery and child trafficking activities, noted that such  was a major concern to the US mission in Nigeria.

Meghan reacted to ATBONDI’s mission during a courtesy call on him by  the team of the organisation, led by the founder, Mr. Rotimi Vaughan, including the  Oloyotunji of Oyotunji African Village in the US,HRM Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, represented by  Aare Amodu Oluwanbe .

She explained that the group’s mission aligned with the US effort to eradicate modern slavery, adding that the consulate would continue to support and work with the group  in addressing modern day slavery and child trafficking issues in Nigeria. He expressed optimism on the outcome of the project which he said would  turn out to be a good platform for promoting cultural ties.

She pointed out that she had been following the group’s activities  which were all tailored towards realising the mission of its interest, some of which included the historic programme that saw the signing of the memorandum of understanding  on bilateral relations between the Badagry Kingdom and US, Oyotunji Village.

‘Vaughan who is also the president of NASO group, provided  an update briefing on the production of the group’s anti modern slavery documentary focused on  Ebonyi enslaved girls story, titled: “They Just Want To Go Back Home”, with a DVD copy of the work also presented to Meghan.

The documentary narrated the  sad tale of two enslaved girls from Ebonyi State trafficked into Lagos for four years who  were reunited with their parents in Ebonyi State.

He added  that the documentary pointed to the fact that modern slavery was forbidden hence, urged all to embrace freedom of humanity by shunning any acts that pertains to .

On the forthcoming National Cultural Day event that is billed to hold in the US, tagged: “The Lagos-Oyotunji Cultural Heritage Fiesta”, Vaughan assured  that the festival would afford Nigerians an opportunity to experience a place in the US that has made its mark in the practice of Yoruba culture. 

The NASO boss  further affirmed  that the event would serve as an opportunity and platform for participants  to meet numerous investors and strengthen cultural and investment bond between Nigeria and United States.