Connecting Generations: Tomike and Akah host Family Meeting in Lagos

In a memorable blend of culture and technology, FamilySearch hosted an inspiring event in Lagos, Nigeria, called "Family Meeting." This first-of-its-kind gathering aimed to foster deeper connections among families by inviting them to explore their ancestral roots using the FamilySearch Africa app - an initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-saints.

Family Meeting, held on July 13, brought together 50 participants who had the rare opportunity to meet with Tomike Adeoye and Akah Nnani - well-known actress and actor social media influencers, making the experience both memorable and impactful. The event inspired about 500 people, including their followers, to build their family tree

FamilySearch, a global leader in family history and genealogy, has been dedicated to helping individuals trace their family histories and connect with their roots. FamilySearch Africa app, provides tailored tools and resources for Africans to achieve this feat to explore their rich heritage.

The event began with a warm welcome from its hosts, after which attendees were treated to inspiring stories and practical demonstrations on how to use the FamilySearch Africa app to build and expand their family trees.

Lyon Koledoye, Founder of SentientXT, the partner organization managing the Family Meeting Initiative, shared: “Our family history and genealogy are integral to our identity. Through FamilySearch, I discovered my connection to Thomas Bako, Nigeria’s first documented Christian martyr in Northern Nigeria. The Family Meeting event offered us profound insights into our heritage and inspired us to strengthen family bonds by expanding our family trees and engaging more deeply with our relatives.”

The event also featured interactive sessions where attendees had the opportunity to work on their family trees with the guidance of experts. This hands-on approach enabled participants to continue their family history journey on the spot, gaining valuable insights into how to use the app effectively. The hosts provided tips and answered questions, to help attendees have a clear understanding of how to continue building their family trees.

Charles Igolo, a director in the Communications Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described Family Meeting as a successful event that needs replication. "This is a good platform for family history enthusiasts to connect". The success of the Family Meeting, evident in the enthusiastic heartfelt feedback from participants and hosts, marks a significant step forward in FamilySearch’s mission to connect families and strengthen bonds through shared history in this digital age.

Tomike Adeoye joyfully shared her Family Meeting experience and gratitude to her over 800,000 Instagram followers; "@familysearchafrica hosted some of my family members and I to a very intimate and fun Family Meeting. We had a swell time! Talked about family, traditions, building our family trees and what not! I definitely learnt a few things as well especially from the talented @akahnnani Thank you Family Search for an incredible outing!" This post has generated about 29,000 likes and 144 comments as of July 28th, 2024.

Looking ahead, FamilySearch plans to continue hosting similar events across Nigeria, building on the momentum generated by the "Family Meeting" in Lagos. By empowering individuals to explore their family histories, FamilySearch is fostering a deeper appreciation for heritage and creating lasting connections that span generations.

FamilySearch Africa can be downloaded from google playstore or accessed through www.familysearch.org/africa. For more information on future events and updates, stakeholders are encouraged to follow FamilySearch Africa on social media platforms.