Popular American pastor, Bishop T.D Jakes of Potter’s House, has recounted how he traced his roots to Igbo people of Southeast, Nigeria.
The prominent cleric brought this revelation to light during an interview with BBC Igbo, where he also spoke about his experiences with Nigerian cuisines, saying they made his head sweat.
Bishop T. D Jakes gave detailed information on how he traced his roots to the Igbo people of Nigeria. He said “It all started when Henry Lewis Gates, who was at Harvard, decided to this DNA testing to see where my ancestry came from. It was me, it was Oprah Winfrey. It was Quincy Jones and others,”
“Mine was traced back to West Africa, to Nigeria and particularly Igbo. My ancestors were Igbos. It’s indescribable. It gives something that we the African-Americans don’t have, which is roots.
T.D Jakes also confirmed his roots by understanding the personality of the Igbo tribe which include being hardworking, industrious and innovative.
”They have strong business acumen. I deeply relate to that. It explained me to me. It’s odd that I was never born there, yet, see so many traces. I’ve always had a strong business acumen.”
”I’ve been aggressive in business. Although I’ve been known for the faith aspect, I have several companies and I’ve owned my own resources. My children all started studying ancestry about Igbos, and even more about Africa. I’ll like to reconnect with our brothers and sisters over there.” he added.
The 63-year-old showed his interest in the Igbo people’s cuisine. He said “When I’m in Nigeria, I experience the food. I eat fufu and jollof rice. I have those kinds of experience. I’ve had more than I can name. I go to Accra in Ghana and Lagos quite often”
”What I know about the food is that it’s almost always hot and spicy. I ate it before but the food over there is so hot it makes your head sweat. And I like it” he added.
T.D Jakes has been named among America’s “Top 10 Religious Leaders” and he’s a recipient of the Grammy’s Award.
