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Emmanuel Macron, President of France, on Tuesday night, paid a historic go to to the New Afrika Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, residence of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing it as an iconic middle for the unfold of African tradition , energy and music.
Whereas attending an occasion titled 'Celebration of African Tradition', to introduce the 2020 African Cultural Season, Macron recalled how he 'found' Nigeria, Lagos and the Shrine.
He mentioned he was comfortable to be again to the Afrika Shrine, including that he nonetheless has fond reminiscences of the positioning since his first go to in 2002.
“I found Nigeria and plenty of of my mates are right here. I found Nigeria and I found Lagos and I found the shrine,” he mentioned in quotes launched by Habib Haruna, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State.
“This place is an iconic place and it’s a place the place the very best of music is given. I have to say my essential reminiscences of this place are of mates, proud folks, pleased with their tradition, pleased with their artwork and music. I’ve a really completely different view of Africa than many different folks in Europe.”
Macron emphasised the necessity for Africa and Europe, and particularly Frances, to construct a brand new commonality, including that “this new commonality isn’t based mostly on what’s vital for Europeans, however on what’s vital for Africa , about their tradition, how they construct and promote their tradition and what locations are vital to them of their tradition.”
“By being right here, I acknowledge their tradition and respect their views. This place is vital for Africa and their tradition and that’s the reason I’m right here,” he mentioned.
He additionally introduced plans to host the 2020 African Cultural Season in France, which he mentioned could be about selling African tradition in Europe, including that the occasion could be for Africa and by African artists.
“It’ll embrace folks with vogue, African movies, a brand new era of artists will come from Africa and it will likely be organized by them to point out Europe and France the true tradition of Africa,” he mentioned.
“The occasion will likely be funded by African leaders. It is not going to be sponsored by French or European firms, however by African firms, it’s model new. This season is exclusive and it will likely be the brand new face of Africa in Europe, organized by Africans, with what you want and what you may have right here.”
Macron additionally attended the official unveiling of Alliance Francaise, a French cultural middle in Lagos on Wednesday, which he mentioned is a part of measures to scale up the connection between France and Nigeria.
He particularly provided the dedication of the federal government and the French folks to the event of infrastructure tasks in Lagos, saying: “Thanks very a lot for being right here; Thanks very a lot for making this doable and with Mr. Governor, we spoke collectively within the automotive yesterday and this morning… yesterday to the shrine collectively and now to the French Alliance.
“It's a lot calmer, a lot calmer and extra affordable, however on the finish of the day I feel we each shared the identical view that we will do nice issues collectively.
“Your state, Lagos, is without doubt one of the largest challenges dealing with not solely Nigeria however the entire of Africa. I imply, this enormous metropolis has an enormous problem to make folks stay collectively in peace and in a greater place, and I would like France to be a part of this story and I would like my nation and my folks to be a part of this. expertise.
“It means belonging to the identical values, sharing cultures, languages, literature, music, movies, constructing tasks collectively, having widespread financial tasks and so forth, and this ecosystem is not going to solely be doable but in addition stronger to reply to this place to remain.”
Whereas earlier welcoming Macron, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, expressed optimism that the historic go to would go a great distance in breaking down any obstacles between Nigeria and France and selling larger cooperation for financial, social and cultural progress.
“On behalf of the federal government and good folks of Lagos State, I welcome His Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to the business and cultural capital of Nigeria and certainly West Africa,” he mentioned.
“We’re delighted and honored to welcome a president from one of many world's superpowers; a everlasting member of the United Nations Safety Council with veto energy, a outstanding member of the G8 and the World Commerce Group and an advocate of world local weather change.
“With the distinctive traits of our state as probably the most populous, vibrant and even the fifth richest financial system on the African continent, Lagos is the unmistakable vacation spot for enterprise and pleasure in Africa. The brand new Lagos expertise is being improved each day as we proceed to create a sustainable infrastructure and safety structure by which the tourism and cultural arts sector can thrive. This additionally creates a platform for our native abilities to really feel a way of belonging and encouragement.
“Mr. President, this momentous state go to will herald the daybreak of a brand new period between France and Nigeria, particularly for the numerous abilities who’ve made Lagos their residence.”
