Embracing One’s Roots: Why Global Celebrities Shouldn’t Deny Their Ancestry Like Kemi Badenoch (OPINION)
By Isaac Asabor
The world today is more interconnected than ever before. The stories of individuals who have successfully navigated diverse cultural landscapes often serve as sources of inspiration for millions. At the heart of these success stories, however, lies the concept of identity. As people migrate, achieve international recognition, or reach the pinnacle of success in foreign lands, they are often faced with the question: “Who am I, really?” This question transcends titles, accolades, or geographic boundaries. For anyone, especially those with global influence, identifying with one’s roots or ancestry remains not just a matter of pride but also a deep-seated responsibility.
Recently, the issue of identity came to the forefront following remarks by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). In a televised interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that her commission reached out to Kemi Badenoch, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, only to be met with silence. The NiDCOM chief made it clear that while her office is always ready to celebrate Nigerians who reconnect with their heritage, no one would be forced to embrace their identity.
Badenoch’s case is not an isolated one. It serves as a stark reminder that, for some, achieving global recognition means turning away from their origins, either deliberately or unconsciously. However, the decision to deny one’s roots, especially when those roots have played a significant role in shaping one’s journey, is a path fraught with ethical and personal dilemmas. It is, therefore, important to emphasize why embracing one’s ancestry, irrespective of one’s status or achievements, is not only necessary but crucial for one’s holistic sense of identity.
In a world where globalization has blurred national borders, the essence of who we are can easily get lost in the pursuit of success. Yet, the beauty of one’s identity is not found solely in the achievements that come with one’s status but in the acknowledgment of the culture, values, and traditions that form the core of one’s existence. Identifying with one’s roots provides a sense of belonging, continuity, and a connection to a community larger than oneself.
For public figures like Kemi Badenoch, who hold significant positions on the global stage, embracing their origins can be a powerful statement of cultural pride. It can inspire countless people who share similar backgrounds and provide a sense of hope and representation. Unfortunately, when individuals in such high places turn their backs on their roots, it sends a message to younger generations that success is only achievable if one distances themselves from their heritage.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s disappointment in Badenoch’s response is understandable. Nigeria, like many African nations, is often proud to celebrate its citizens who make strides internationally. By reaching out, NiDCOM was not seeking to enforce an obligation on Badenoch but rather extending a hand to acknowledge her background and celebrate her achievements as part of the larger Nigerian story. The response, or lack thereof, was a missed opportunity for Badenoch to demonstrate that one can indeed be both successful abroad and proud of their African heritage.
Badenoch’s reluctance to identify with her Nigerian heritage stands in stark contrast to the actions of other global celebrities who have embraced their roots with pride. Consider stars like Lupita Nyong’o, who, despite being born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, has consistently celebrated her African roots in her public life. She uses her platform to highlight African cultures, languages, and issues, demonstrating that her identity is a source of strength rather than something to be hidden.
Similarly, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a globally recognized Nigerian writer, has remained unapologetically proud of her Nigerian heritage. Her works, speeches, and public engagements are infused with elements of her background, inspiring millions across the world. These individuals understand that embracing one’s ancestry does not diminish their international achievements; instead, it adds depth, authenticity, and a sense of rootedness to their success stories.
For Nigerian celebrities and professionals who have achieved global recognition, it is essential to realize that denying one’s identity is not only a disservice to oneself but also to the countless individuals who look up to them as role models. Being a global citizen should not mean abandoning the culture, language, and experiences that have contributed to one’s rise.
Denying one’s roots or shying away from one’s ancestry can have far-reaching consequences. It can lead to a loss of cultural identity and leave individuals feeling disconnected from their heritage. For people in influential positions, it can also perpetuate the damaging notion that success is only attainable by rejecting one’s origins.
Moreover, when global figures like Badenoch, who has Nigerian heritage, distance themselves from their roots, it sends a message to the younger generation that their own identities are not worth celebrating. This can lead to cultural erosion, especially for those who are already grappling with identity crises in foreign lands.
It is also worth noting that the world is currently witnessing a resurgence of interest in ancestry and heritage, especially among the African diaspora. Platforms like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage are seeing an increasing number of people seeking to reconnect with their origins. For many, discovering their roots is not just a hobby; it is a journey of self-discovery and healing. Badenoch, like others, could have been part of this narrative, helping to inspire more people to take pride in their roots.
While Badenoch may have chosen to take a different path, it is not too late for other Nigerians and Africans who have found success abroad to embrace their roots. The benefits of doing so are numerous, both for the individual and for the wider community. Embracing one’s ancestry fosters a sense of belonging, preserves cultural heritage, and provides a richer narrative to one’s personal story.
For those who might be hesitant, it is important to remember that acknowledging one’s roots does not imply abandoning one’s current identity. One can be British, American, or any other nationality and still celebrate being Nigerian, Ghanaian, or South African. Identity is not a zero-sum game; it is a tapestry of experiences, cultures, and traditions.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” This quote aptly captures the essence of reconnecting with one’s roots. For global celebrities of Nigerian descent, embracing their heritage is not about choosing one identity over another; it is about acknowledging the richness of their background and the unique contributions they can bring to the world.
Ultimately, identity is a gift that should be cherished, not denied. For Kemi Badenoch and others who have risen to global prominence, there is no shame in celebrating one’s Nigerian heritage. By embracing where they come from, they can inspire others to do the same, creating a world where success is not measured by how far one can distance themselves from their roots but by how proudly one can carry them forward.
As Nigeria continues to produce global trailblazers, let them serve as examples that success and cultural pride are not mutually exclusive. Let them reject the path of denial and instead walk boldly, carrying their heritage as a badge of honor. In the end, the world will not only respect them more for it but also find inspiration in their authenticity.
