Emmanuel Macron, President of France, on Tuesday evening made a historic go to to the New Afrika Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, dwelling of late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing it as an iconic centre for the propagation of African tradition, power and music.
While attending an occasion tagged ‘Celebration of African Culture’, to inaugurate the African Cultural Season 2020, Macron recalled how he “discovered” Nigeria, Lagos and the shrine.
He stated he was glad to be again to the Afrika Shrine, including that he nonetheless holds fond recollections of the place since his first go to again in 2002.
“I discovered Nigeria and a lot of my friends are here. I discovered Nigeria and I discovered Lagos and I discovered the shrine,” he stated in quotes launched by Habib Haruna, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State.
“This place is an iconic place and it is a place where the best of music is given. I have to say my main memories about this place are friends, proud people, proud of their culture, proud of their art and music. I have a very different view of Africa than a lot of other people in Europe.”
Macron harassed the necessity for Africa and Europe, particularly Frances to construct a new commonality, including that “this new commonality is not based on what is important for Europeans but what is important for Africa, about their culture, how they build their culture and promote the culture and which places are important for them about their culture”.
“Being here, I do recognize their culture and respect their views. This place is important for Africa and their culture and that is why I am here,” he stated.
He additionally disclosed plans to host the African Cultural Season 2020 in France, which he stated, could be about selling African tradition in Europe, including that the occasion could be for Africa and by African artistes.
“It will include people with fashion, African movies, new generation of artistes will be coming from Africa and it will be organized by them to show Europe and France the real culture of Africa,” he stated.
“The event will be financed by African leaders. It will not be sponsored by France or European businesses, but by African businesses, it is brand new. This season is a unique one and it will be the new face of Africa in Europe organize by Africans, providing what you like and what you have here.”
Macron additionally attended the official unveiling of Alliance Francaise, a French Cultural Centre in Lagos, on Wednesday, which he stated is a part of the measures to scale up the connection between France and Nigeria.
Specifically providing the dedication of the federal government and folks of France to improvement of infrastructural initiatives in Lagos, he stated: “Thanks very a lot for being right here; thanks very a lot for making this potential and to Mr Governor, we spoke yesterday and this morning collectively within the automotive… going to shrine collectively yesterday and going to French Alliance now.
“It’s far more quiet, far more calm and affordable however on the finish of the day, I suppose each of us did share the identical views that we are able to do great issues collectively.
“Your state, Lagos, is without doubt one of the major challenges of not simply Nigeria however the entire of Africa. I imply, this enormous metropolis, there's great problem about tips on how to make folks dwell collectively in peace, in a higher place, and I need France to be a part of this story and I do need my nation and my folks to be a part of this expertise.
“It means belonging to same values, sharing cultures, languages, literatures, music, movies, building together projects, having common economic projects and so on, and this eco system will be not just possible but stronger staying in this place.”
While welcoming Macron earlier, Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, expressed optimism that the historic go to would go a lengthy approach to break any boundaries between Nigeria and France in addition to foster larger collaboration for financial, social and cultural progress.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Lagos State, I welcome His Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to the commercial and cultural capital of Nigeria and indeed West Africa,” he stated.
“We are delighted and honoured to be internet hosting a President of one of many world’s superpowers; a everlasting member of the United Nation’s Security Council with veto rights, a distinguished member of the G8 and the World Trade Organization and a champion of Global Climate Change.
“With the distinctive traits of our state as essentially the most populous, vibrant and certainly the fifth richest financial system on the African continent, Lagos is the plain vacation spot for enterprise and pleasure in Africa. The new Lagos expertise is being enhanced day by day as we proceed to create an enduring infrastructural and safety structure for the enterprise of tourism and cultural arts to thrive. This additionally creates a platform for our native skills to really feel a sense of belonging and encouragement.
“Mr. President, this momentous state visit shall signal the dawn of a new era between France and Nigeria, especially for the myriad of talents that have made Lagos their home.”