Ciara, the R&B singer, has become a citizen of Benin under a government scheme for the descendants of African slaves.

The singer, known for hits including 1, 2 Step and Goodies, said she was the first person to take up the offer from the small West African nation, which began the scheme in September.

“Thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me. Je suis Béninoise.” she wrote on social media.

Benin passed the law granting citizenship to anyone who can trace their lineage to those transported from Africa during the slave trade, as part of a broader initiative to attract the black diaspora and promote tourism focused on slavery-related sites of remembrance.

Yvon Détchénou, justice minister, said at the citizenship ceremony: “By legally recognising these children of Africa, Benin is healing a historical wound.

“It is an act of justice, but also one of belonging and hope.”