The IPADA tree planting ceremony in Lagos yesterday, was indeed an epoch making event led by the Founder of IPADA (The Return), Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye. The ceremony was monumentally significant as it served as a remembrance of our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, who are today, heeding the call to return home to motherland and contribute in the development of Africa their fatherland.
And two of such Returnees were here to plant their trees. They were here physically to participate and share in the joy of the exercise of IPADA tree planting, creating history by being the first set of people, alongside the Founder of IPADA, to perform this historic ceremony, that wet the eyes with tears of joy!
First, Professor Remi Duyile, a former Vice President of Bank of America, who planted her IPADA tree and owned it, few minutes after Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye accomplished this significant feat.
Just like Otunba Akinboboye, Professor Remi Duyile said an emotional prayer, beckoning on Africans in the Diaspora, to return home for the grand IPADA Carnival celebration, coming on in November and December, 2024 and 2025, at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Another returnee from Trinidad andTobago, Crystal Cummings, planted her own tree with words that showed her appreciation of the opportunity to be part of the first set of the IPADA tree planting exercise.
African American, Andrew Douglas now popularly known as Chukwuemeka, had his tree planted on his behalf by Professor Remi Duyile, due to his absence. It would be recalled that Mr Andrew Chukwuemeka Douglas was in Africa, nay Nigeria, some few weeks back, where he confessed that he enjoyed a fabulous stay and looks forward to another return, towards the end of this year!
The IPADA Tree Planting exercise continues on a daily basis as more and more returnees arrive for IPADA and IPADA CARNIVAL celebrations in Lagos, Nigeria.
