Macron in Lagos: My view of Africa differs from that of many Europeans

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday night made a
historic visit to the Afrika Shrine, home of the late Afrobeat legend,
Fela Kuti, describing it as an iconic centre for the propagation of
African culture, strength and music.

Mr 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.

Mr 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, Mr 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,” Mr Macron said.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, 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 Mr
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 Mr 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 Mr 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 Mr Macron’s emergence as the President of France has inspired
many youth in Nigeria, who constitute 60 per cent 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 Mr Macron by Mr Ambode as
well as pencil frame artwork of Mr 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.