President of France, Mr. Emmanuel
Macron on Tuesday night made a historic visit to the Afrika Shrine, home of the
late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, describing it as an iconic centre
for the propagation of African culture, strength and music.
Macron, who spoke at the New Afrika Shrine in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, at an event tagged ‘Celebration of African Culture’ to inaugurate the African Cultural Season 2020, said he was glad to be back to the Afrika Shrine, adding that he still holds fond memories of the place since his first visit back 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. 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,” he said.
Macron stressed the need for
Africa and Europe, especially France to build a new commonality, adding 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 also disclosed plans to host
the African Cultural Season 2020 in France, which he said, would be about
promoting African culture in Europe, adding that the event was going to 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.
“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,” he said.
At the official unveiling of
Alliance Francaise, a French Cultural Centre in Lagos on Wednesday, Macron said
the development was part of the measures to scale up the relationship between
France and Nigeria, while also specifically offering the commitment of the
government and people of France to development of infrastructural projects in
Lagos.
“Thanks very much for being here;
thanks very much for making this possible and to Mr Governor, we spoke
yesterday and this morning together in the car. Going to shrine together
yesterday and going to French Alliance now. It’s much more quite, much more calm
and reasonable but at the end of the day, I think both of us (Governor Ambode
and I) did share the same views that we can do tremendous things together.
“Your State – Lagos, is one of
the main challenges of not just Nigeria but the whole of Africa. I mean this
huge city, there is tremendous challenge about how to make people living
together in peace, in a better place and I want France to be part of this story
and I do want my country and my people being part of this experience. It means
belonging 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,”
Macron said.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor,
Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode while welcoming President Macron to the State, expressed
optimism that the historic visit will go a long way to break any barriers
between Nigeria and France as well as foster greater collaboration for
economic, social and cultural growth. The Governor said the State Government
was delighted to host Macron, a well respected global leader, adding that it would
also signal a new era between both countries, especially for Lagos where
talents in the arts and creative industry abound.
“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.
“We are delighted and honoured to
be hosting a President of one of the world’s Super Powers; a permanent member
of the United Nation’s Security Council with veto rights, a prominent member of
the G8 and the World Trade Organisation and a champion of Global Climate
Change.
The Governor said he was particularly
delighted that Macron’s visit to Lagos began on a cultural and entertainment
note, adding that the French Cultural Centre and Alliance Française based in
the State had always been an asset to its cultural landscape in the same way
that Trace Television had also become an invaluable addition to its music and
entertainment sphere.
Governor Ambode said he was very
optimistic Macron’s visit and activities would boost the State’s quest to
become the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, just as he said that
the State Government would seek to establish collaborations with France and
play an integral part of the Year 2020 African Cultural Season in Paris as
envisioned by President Macron.
“With the exceptional
characteristics of our State as the most populous, vibrant and indeed the fifth
richest economy on the African continent, Lagos is the undeniable destination
for business and pleasure in Africa.
The new Lagos experience is being
enhanced daily as we continue to create an enduring infrastructural and
security architecture for the business of tourism and cultural arts to thrive.
This also creates a platform for our local talents to 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,” the
Governor said.
He said Macron’s emergence as the
President of France has inspired many youths in Nigeria, who constitute 60
percent of the country’s population, adding that Lagos was providing avenues
for youths to explore their creativity and talents.
There were also Art Exhibition,
Fashion Show, display of Nollywood scenes, presentation of a painting of Fela
to Macron by Governor Ambode as well as pencil frame artwork of Macron done by
11-old old Kareem Olamilekan drawn within two hours.
Highpoints of the night include
sterling performances by dance group, Footprints of David, music artistes, Yemi
Alade, Charlotte Dipanda from Kenya and a scintillating performance by Femi
Kuti to bring the event to a close.
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