November 15, 2024
PIX8883

????????????????????????????????????

…Visit Will Open New Vista Of Cooperation Between France And Lagos- Ambode

…Insists State Remains Undeniable Destination For Business, Pleasure In Africa

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.

 

 

Tags:

82 thoughts on “Afrika shrine represents culture, strength, music of the continent- Macron”

  1. If you are going for best contents like me, simply go to see this web page every
    day for the reason that it provides feature contents, thanks

    Reply

  2. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, might
    test this? IE still is the market chief and a large section of other people will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem.

    Reply

  3. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!

    It’s the little changes that produce the most important changes.
    Thanks a lot for sharing!

    Reply

  5. Hello there! This article couldn’t be written any better!
    Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept preaching about this. I’ll forward
    this article to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  7. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto
    a coworker who was doing a little homework on this.

    And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled
    upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.

    Reply

  8. Unquestionably consider that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the
    net the easiest thing to remember of. I say to
    you, I certainly get irked whilst folks think about issues that they just don’t recognize about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing with
    no need side-effects , folks could take a signal.
    Will probably be again to get more. Thanks adreamoftrains web hosting service

    Reply

  10. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to
    .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a number of
    websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform.
    I have heard very good things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

  11. I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

    Reply

  12. I simply want to mention I am just all new to blogging and site-building and absolutely liked your web page. Likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly have incredible stories. Thank you for revealing your blog site.

    Reply

  13. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

    Reply

  14. Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?

    I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a
    difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

    Reply

  15. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
    i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks?
    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you
    can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is very much appreciated.

    Reply

  22. Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve remember your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I really like what you’ve received right here, really like what you are saying and the way through which you say it. You are making it entertaining and you still care for to stay it sensible. I cant wait to learn far more from you. That is really a great site.

    Reply

  23. A lot of thanks for all your labor on this blog. My mom really loves carrying out investigations and it’s simple to grasp why. We learn all concerning the powerful means you give powerful solutions on this web blog and encourage participation from some other people on this theme and our favorite child is in fact studying so much. Enjoy the rest of the new year. You are always carrying out a glorious job.

    Reply

  27. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly
    donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and
    adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward
    to brand new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon! asmr 0mniartist

    Reply

  28. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you
    actually realize what you’re talking about!
    Bookmarked. Please additionally seek advice from my website =).
    We will have a link trade contract between us asmr 0mniartist

    Reply

  29. I do not even understand how I stopped up here,
    but I believed this publish was great. I don’t know who you’re but
    definitely you are going to a famous blogger for those who are
    not already. Cheers! 0mniartist asmr

    Reply

  30. I’m no longer positive the place you are getting your info, however good topic.
    I must spend a while studying much more or figuring out more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I used to be looking for this information for my mission. asmr 0mniartist

    Reply

  32. You can definitely see your skills in the work you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you
    who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

    Reply

  35. scoliosis
    continuously i used to read smaller articles
    which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this piece of
    writing which I am reading now. scoliosis

    Reply

  37. It’s in reality a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  38. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done
    an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

    Reply

  41. obviously like your web-site but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts.
    Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it
    very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will
    definitely come back again.

    Reply

  72. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the wealth of invaluable information you consistently provide in your articles. Your blog has become my go-to resource, and I consistently emerge with new knowledge and fresh perspectives. I’m eagerly looking forward to continuing my learning journey through your future posts. Life Experience Degrees

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

yyyyyyy

Mohbad’s Family Opposes Anniversary Celebration for Late Singer

August 13, 2024 50
NELITA

BBNaija S9: Nelita Makes History as First HOH to Win Immunity Challenge

August 12, 2024 49